Located in Ishikawa Prefecture, the Inari Shrine is one of Japan's most famous Shinto shrines and a major site for worship of Inari, Okami, or Rice Goddess, known as the patron kami of fertility, rice crops, and industry. The shrine complex includes hundreds of vermilion torii gates, each representing a different level of spiritual devotion. According to legend, the shrine was established in 711 CE during the Nara period, but its current structure is primarily from the Edo period. Visitors can explore the various shrines within the compound, offering prayers and making offerings for prosperity, good fortune, and a successful harvest.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Inari
- Kami enshrined
- Inari, Okami
- Coordinates
- 36.2139697, 136.2281811
Visitor tip
To make an offering at the shrine, purchase a bag of sacred rice grains from a vendor on site and tie them onto the gates, symbolizing your request or wish for fertility and prosperity.
Cultural notes
Inari is revered as a kami for rice fields, industry, and agriculture. The shrine is famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates representing various levels of devotion. During the New Year (Oshogatsu), visitors often tie sacred strings to the gates to wish for good luck, prosperity, and happiness.
Historical note
The Inari Shrine has a long history dating back to 711 CE, with records of worship during the Nara period.