Located in the heart of Kanazawa, Higashi Chaya District, Ishikawa's Inari Okura Shrine is one of Japan's oldest and most revered Shinto shrines dedicated to Inari, the god of rice, fertility, and prosperity. Dating back to the Heian period (794-1185 CE), this shrine boasts an impressive architecture featuring a striking vermilion torii gate and a serene garden. Visitors can experience the tranquility of the shrine's grounds by walking through the beautiful cherry blossom trees that bloom during spring.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Inari
- Kami enshrined
- Inari, Tsukiyomi, Futusato no kami
- Coordinates
- 37.3942589, 136.9066171
Visitor tip
To fully appreciate the shrine's architecture, consider visiting early in the morning or late in the afternoon when the sun casts a warm glow over the torii gate.
Cultural notes
Inari Okura Shrine is closely associated with the mythology of Inari, the god often depicted as a fox deity. According to legend, Inari was said to have descended upon Mount Haku and established this shrine as one of his sacred sites.
Historical note
The shrine was originally founded in 718 CE, making it one of Japan's oldest Shinto shrines.