Located in the city of Kanazawa, White Mountain Inari Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the god of rice and fertility. The shrine's architecture is typical of the Heian period, with a main hall (honden) covered in gold leaf and surrounded by vermilion walls. Visitors can walk through the shrine's grounds, which include several smaller shrines and gardens, including the famous Koyo-zukuri garden, designed to highlight the fall foliage.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Inari
- Kami enshrined
- Inari, Otohime
- Coordinates
- 35.5078443, 136.6584383
Visitor tip
To avoid long lines, consider visiting early in the morning or late in the afternoon when the sun is not directly overhead. Bring a small gift to offer at the shrine, as many visitors do so as a sign of respect.
Cultural notes
This shrine is particularly notable for its association with the white mountain (Shirakami) said to have inspired the creation of rice from which sake is made. The shrine's festivals include the annual Sanja Matsuri and the winter festival of Yuki Matsuri, during which visitors can see the shrine's grounds illuminated.
Historical note
The shrine was established during the Nara period (710-794 CE), making it one of the oldest in Japan.