Located in the heart of Atami, a coastal town in Shizuoka Prefecture, Ōjima Inari Shrine is one of Japan's most famous and picturesque shrines dedicated to the rice goddess Inari Okami. Dedicated to the local deity Ōjimaya, which is believed to be the Shinto embodiment of the sea goddess Amaterasu. The shrine complex features traditional Shinto architecture, with a distinctive vermilion torii gate and several smaller shrines throughout its grounds.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Ōjimaya
- Kami enshrined
- Ōjimaya, Amaterasu
- Coordinates
- 34.8344341, 138.177031
Visitor tip
Visit the shrine's main torii gate at dawn or dusk to avoid crowds and enjoy the serene atmosphere, and consider bringing a small gift of rice balls (chankonabe) as an offering to Inari Okami.
Cultural notes
Ōjima Inari Shrine is renowned for its beautiful cherry blossom trees, which bloom in late March. According to local legend, if you tie a red string around the branch of one of these blossoms and make a wish, it will come true. The shrine is also famous for its unique ' rice ball' offerings (chankonabe) that are typically made with glutinous rice, fish, and vegetables.
Historical note
Founded in 1622 during the Edo period as Ōjima Jishin Shrine, it was later rebuilt in 1923 after being destroyed by fire.