The Inari Shrine, located in Shiga Prefecture, is a significant Shinto site dedicated to the kami of rice and fertility. This shrine is famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates that stretch from the main hall to the surrounding mountains, symbolizing the abundance of rice and prosperity. The shrine's architecture reflects the Heian period, with a wooden structure covered in silver leaves, and its interior features a tranquil atmosphere adorned with sacred objects and shrines.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Inari
- Kami enshrined
- Inari Okami, Kunitsuchi, Sakimori
- Coordinates
- 35.0264621, 135.7338386
Visitor tip
To fully appreciate the shrine's vermilion torii gates, visit at dawn or dusk when the sunlight casts a warm glow on the gates.
Cultural notes
Inari Shrine is associated with Inari Okami, a kami revered for its role in agriculture and fertility. The shrine is also famous for its festival, Ohara Saisei Matsuri, which takes place every five years to celebrate the founding of the shrine.
Historical note
The shrine was originally built during the Nara period (710-794 CE), but the current structure dates back to the Kamakura period (1185-1333 CE).