Uega Jinja, located in the scenic town of Uega, Tokushima Prefecture, is a lesser-known Shinto shrine nestled in the Iya Valley, renowned for its stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. The shrine is dedicated to the kami of agriculture and prosperity, Inari Okami, and is revered by local residents for its fertility and prosperity blessings.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Inari Okami
- Kami enshrined
- Inari, Okami
- Coordinates
- 34.1836978, 133.7307546
Visitor tip
Visitors can experience the tranquility of the shrine by attending a traditional tea ceremony or participating in a rice-planting ceremony, which take place during the peak cherry blossom season (late March to early April).
Cultural notes
Uega Jinja is famous for its unique architectural style, blending traditional Shinto elements with local Iya Valley influences. The shrine's main hall features an impressive wooden torii gate, adorned with sacred ropes and colorful papers called 'yoshino emaki', which are exchanged between families as a symbol of goodwill.
Historical note
Founded during the Heian period (794-1185 CE), Uega Jinja has been an important center of Shinto worship in the region for centuries.