Located in the city of Mito, Ibaraki Prefecture, Bontokyu Inari Shrine is dedicated to Inari Okami, a Shinto deity often associated with rice, agriculture, and prosperity. The shrine's architecture reflects traditional Japanese style, with a wooden torii gate and a rectangular main hall. Inari is also revered for his role as the patron of merchants and artisans.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Inari Okami
- Kami enshrined
- Inari, Okami
- Coordinates
- 35.7425956, 139.8378019
Visitor tip
To avoid crowds, visit the shrine during the week or early in the morning for a more peaceful experience.
Cultural notes
As Inari is revered by merchants and artisans, the shrine is also famous for its 'tsukubai' water bowls, where visitors can purify their hands before praying. The shrine's main hall also features beautiful tilework depicting various scenes from Japanese mythology.
Historical note
The shrine was rebuilt in the Edo period (1603-1867), following an earlier version that dated back to the Heian period (794-1185).