Located in the town of Sakado, Saitama Prefecture, Shintanomae Inari Shrine is one of the most famous and photographed shrines in Japan. Dedicated to the Shinto goddess of fertility, rice, and industry, Inari Okami, this shrine is famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates that form a tunnel leading up the mountain, symbolizing purification and devotion.
- Denomination
- shinto
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Inari Okami
- Kami enshrined
- Inari, O-kami
- Coordinates
- 35.79629, 139.6250853
Visitor tip
To avoid crowds, visit the shrine early in the morning or late in the evening when the sun is not directly overhead.
Cultural notes
Inari Okami is often depicted with many fox tails and is associated with good luck, prosperity, and agriculture. The shrine's famous vermilion torii gates are believed to have originated during the Heian period (794-1185 CE).
Historical note
The shrine was rebuilt after a devastating earthquake in 1923.