The Ichihara Shrine, located in Ibaraki Prefecture, is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the god of rice and agriculture, Inari Okami. The shrine is famous for its unique architectural style, which features a vermilion torii gate that seems to blend seamlessly into the surrounding landscape. According to legend, the shrine was founded by Emperor Jimmu in 674 BCE, making it one of the oldest shrines in Japan.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Inari Okami
- Kami enshrined
- Inari Okami
- Coordinates
- 35.7762585, 140.5780859
Visitor tip
To fully appreciate the shrine's beauty, visit during cherry blossom season to see the vermilion torii gate against a backdrop of blooming sakura trees.
Cultural notes
The shrine is famous for its annual festival, which takes place in May and features a procession of rice-carrying maidens. The shrine is also closely associated with the mythology of Inari Okami, who is said to have possessed supernatural powers that allowed him to control the growth of crops.
Historical note
It was established in the Nara period (710-794 CE).