The Ura-Mon Inari Shrine, located in Akita Prefecture, is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the worship of Inari Okami, the god of rice, fertility, and prosperity. The shrine's name, Ura-Mon, refers to its unique inner gate, which serves as the main entrance to the shrine. This architectural feature is not found at other Inari shrines, making it a distinctive characteristic of this shrine.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Inari Okami
- Kami enshrined
- Inari
- Coordinates
- 39.1634293, 140.5064623
Visitor tip
To fully appreciate the shrine's architecture, visit early in the morning or later in the evening when the sunlight casts a warm glow through the inner gate.
Cultural notes
The shrine is famous for its association with the Inari legend, which tells the story of a fox spirit that helped a farmer increase his rice crops. The shrine's fox statues are said to symbolize this benevolent spirit.
Historical note
The shrine was founded in the Edo period (1603-1868), during the rule of the Tokugawa shogunate.