Located in the town of Noto, Toyama Prefecture, San'etsu-Kei (Sanetsu Kiyaki) Shrine is dedicated to the Shinto deity Inari Okami, revered as the patron of rice and fertility. The shrine's name, meaning 'big cedar tree', refers to a massive cedar tree that once stood at the site. According to local lore, the cedar was believed to have been a sacred tree planted by the gods themselves.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Inari Okami
- Kami enshrined
- Inari, Okami
- Coordinates
- 36.8731884, 137.443822
Visitor tip
To fully appreciate the shrine's tranquil atmosphere, visit at dawn or dusk when the sun casts a warm glow on the surrounding cedar trees.
Cultural notes
San'etsu-Kei Shrine is known for its unique cedar tree carvings and sacred cedar tree seeds, which are used in Shinto rituals to purify and protect. The shrine also hosts an annual Autumn Leaves Festival (Koyo Matsuri) to celebrate the changing colors of the surrounding trees.
Historical note
The shrine dates back to the Muromachi period (1336-1573), but its current structure was rebuilt in 1959 after being destroyed during World War II.