Located in the city of Omiya, Shiga Prefecture, Inari Shrine is one of Japan's most famous and revered Shinto shrines, dedicated to the worship of the kami Inari Okami. The shrine complex spans across several hills and valleys, with its main hall, Haiden, featuring a unique shachihoko (tiger-dog) roof design typical of Inari Shrines in this region. Visitors can walk through the serene gardens and admire the numerous vermilion torii gates that line the paths leading to the shrine's many shrines.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Inari Okami
- Kami enshrined
- Inari Okami
- Coordinates
- 35.0060024, 135.7530216
Visitor tip
Visitors should enter the main hall through the large torii gate, and then take a moment to admire the beautiful garden before proceeding to pray at the shrine.
Cultural notes
Inari Shrine is famous for its numerous fox statues, known as kitsune, which are believed to be the messengers of Inari Okami. The shrine is also said to have connections to the mythology surrounding Inari's role as a patron of rice and fertility.
Historical note
The shrine was rebuilt during the Edo period (1603-1868), but its origins date back to the Heian period (794-1185).