Katsunohara Jishu Shrine, located in Shiga Prefecture, is dedicated to the worship of Inari Okami and Fujin Raijin. The shrine's name, 疫除社 (Kaze no kutsudo-sha), translates to 'Wind's Exclusion Society.' According to legend, the shrine was founded during the Nara period (710-794 CE) to protect the nearby city from plague outbreaks. Visitors can explore the shrine's unique wind and rain divination altars.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Inari
- Kami enshrined
- Inari Okami, Fujin Raijin
- Coordinates
- 35.0366974, 135.7614536
Visitor tip
To avoid bad luck, do not look directly at the wind divination altars; instead, observe the movement of the paper lanterns from behind.
Cultural notes
As an Inari shrine, Katsunohara Jishu Shrine is renowned for its fox (Inari Okami) kami. The shrine's fox statues are said to bring good fortune and prosperity to those who treat them with respect. During the autumn equinox festival, visitors can participate in a traditional 'fox dance' to honor the shrine's patron deity.
Historical note
Katsunohara Jishu Shrine was rebuilt in 1620 after a devastating earthquake.