Outaijma Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in the town of Aki, Tottori Prefecture, and is dedicated to the kami Inari. The shrine is known for its beautiful cherry blossom trees and traditional architecture. Visitors can participate in the annual 'Gaki-zōri' festival, where locals tie paper lanterns to their shoulders and parade through the streets.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Inari
- Kami enshrined
- Inari, Sea Kami
- Coordinates
- 35.4726619, 133.016836
Visitor tip
To experience the shrine's cherry blossoms at their peak, visit in late March or early April and take a stroll along the riverbank during 'Hanami' season.
Cultural notes
Inari is often depicted as a shiba inu, reflecting the animal's association with rice and fertility. Locals also believe that the shrine's location on a small island, 'Outai', connects them to the sea kami, which is said to protect the town from natural disasters.
Historical note
The shrine was founded in the Edo period (1603-1867) by a local farmer who believed the island's unique shape resembled a rice paddy goddess.