Located in the city of Akita, 明田稲荷大明神 (Meigetsu Inari Taisha) is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the god of rice and prosperity, Inari Okami. The shrine is renowned for its striking architecture, which features a distinctive three-story pagoda and a large torii gate. Visitors can explore the shrine's many shrines and gates, each representing a different aspect of the divine realm.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Inari Okami
- Kami enshrined
- Inari Okami, Kubikobezu-no-Kami
- Coordinates
- 39.7071566, 140.132939
Visitor tip
To avoid long lines, consider visiting Meigetsu Inari Taisha early in the morning or late in the afternoon, when the sun is not directly overhead.
Cultural notes
As a major Shinto shrine, Meigetsu Inari Taisha is closely tied to the mythology of rice and fertility. The shrine's many gates are believed to represent the pathways that kami take as they move between the mortal world and the divine realm. During the annual spring festival, visitors can participate in traditional dances and rituals to ensure a bountiful harvest.
Historical note
The shrine was established in 1198 during the Kamakura period, making it one of the oldest Inari shrines in Japan.