West Palace Inari Shrine, located in the beautiful coastal town of Futatsu, Ibaraki Prefecture, is one of the most ancient Shinto shrines in Japan. Dedicated to the god of rice, fertility, and prosperity, Inari Okami is believed to be a manifestation of the deity Amaterasu Omikami. The shrine's unique architecture features an imposing torii gate surrounded by vermillion torii gates, forming a tunnel-like structure that symbolizes the path to the divine. Visitors can explore the shrine's many shrines and halls, each dedicated to various aspects of Inari's domain.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Inari Okami
- Kami enshrined
- Inari, Okami
- Coordinates
- 35.7641989, 139.8115891
Visitor tip
To experience the shrine's serenity, visit at dawn or dusk when the golden light casts a warm glow over the torii gates.
Cultural notes
The shrine is famous for its many fox statues, known as kitsune, which are believed to be Inari's sacred messengers. The shrine also hosts an annual festival in September, where visitors can participate in traditional dances and games.
Historical note
The shrine is believed to have been founded during the Nara period (710-794 CE), making it one of Japan's oldest Shinto shrines.