Located in the city of Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture, Gifu Sanmyo Inari Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the god of rice and prosperity. The shrine's name, Gifu Sanmyo, refers to the three virtues of the Buddhist Triratna: compassion, morality, and wisdom. The shrine's design and architecture are influenced by the Heian period, with a distinctive style known as 'Sanmyo-zukuri'. Visitors can enjoy the beautiful gardens and traditional Japanese architecture, including the unique ' Sanmyo-dono' hall.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Inari
- Kami enshrined
- Inari, Yatagarasu
- Coordinates
- 35.4429541, 136.766477
Visitor tip
To fully appreciate the shrine's beauty, visit at dawn or dusk when the sunlight filters through the trees and illuminates the main hall.
Cultural notes
In Japanese folklore, rice is a symbol of abundance and prosperity. As such, Gifu Sanmyo Inari Shrine is often visited by farmers and people seeking good fortune in agriculture. The shrine also hosts an annual festival, 'Sanmyo Matsuri', which celebrates the virtues of compassion, morality, and wisdom.
Historical note
Founded in 718 CE during the Nara period, Gifu Sanmyo Inari Shrine is one of Japan's oldest Shinto shrines.