Located in the city of Nagahama, Hikone-shi, Shiga Prefecture, Tanba Inari Shrine is a revered Shinto site dedicated to the kami Inari Okami, known as Tanba Inari in local dialects. The shrine is renowned for its unique architecture and rich cultural heritage. Visitors can explore the shrine's traditional buildings, including the main hall and the Inari Shrine Museum, which houses an impressive collection of artifacts related to the shrine's history and mythology.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Inari Okami
- Kami enshrined
- Inari, Tanba Inari
- Coordinates
- 35.0366957, 135.7616181
Visitor tip
To make the most of your visit, consider bringing a small basket or bag to leave offerings of rice balls or other food items, as is customary at this shrine.
Cultural notes
Tanba Inari Shrine is closely associated with the legend of a monkey king who was said to have been worshipped by local farmers for his ability to bring fertility and prosperity to their fields. The shrine's architecture reflects its connection to agriculture, with intricately carved wooden buildings and beautiful gardens.
Historical note
Tanba Inari Shrine was built in 718 CE during the Nara period and has been designated as a National Historic Site of Japan since 1953.