Clear Bear Rice Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in the town of Sakimi, Tottori Prefecture, Japan. The shrine is dedicated to the kami (deity) of rice and bears, which are considered sacred animals in Shintoism. According to local legend, the shrine was built by the priest who discovered a bear that had died from eating spoiled rice, leading him to sacrifice his own rice crop to appease the bear god.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Bear
- Kami enshrined
- Bear, Inari
- Coordinates
- 35.4254419, 133.8131485
Visitor tip
Visitors can take a photo with the large stone statue of a bear at the entrance of the shrine, which is said to bring good luck and prosperity.
Cultural notes
Clear Bear Rice Shrine is famous for its unique architecture, which features a wooden bridge over a moat. The shrine is also known for its autumn leaves, which are considered particularly beautiful due to the local tree species. During the New Year (Oshogatsu) festival, visitors can participate in traditional rituals and offerings to the bear god.
Historical note
The shrine is believed to have been established during the Muromachi period (1336-1573), but the exact date is unknown.