Located in the town of Matsue, Shimane Prefecture, 鹿野稲荷神社 is a Shinto shrine dedicated to Inari Okami, the god of rice and fertility. The shrine is famous for its unique torii gate made from a single cedar tree trunk, which stretches 13 meters high and 3.4 meters wide. This natural torii gate is considered one of Japan's three most beautiful gates.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Inari
- Kami enshrined
- Inari, Tsukiyomi
- Coordinates
- 34.2324826, 131.8184795
Visitor tip
To fully appreciate the shrine's unique torii gate, visit at dawn or dusk when the sunlight casts a warm glow on the natural gate.
Cultural notes
Inari Okami is often depicted as a kami with many tails, representing his abundance and fertility. The shrine is also famous for its fox spirits (kitsune) that are believed to inhabit the surrounding area.
Historical note
The shrine was founded in 1848 during the Edo period, and its current structure was rebuilt after World War II.