Located in the scenic town of Annaka, Gunma Prefecture, Great Mountain Okuninushi Inari Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the god of rice, prosperity, and industry. Founded during the Nara period (710-794 CE), this shrine showcases the traditional Heian-style architecture typical of its era.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Okuninushi
- Kami enshrined
- Inari, Okuninushi
- Coordinates
- 36.3444239, 138.6385696
Visitor tip
Visit the shrine during the annual Autumn Leaves Festival (, Akizuki Matsuri) for stunning views of vibrant autumn colors and traditional performances.
Cultural notes
The shrine is famous for its unique 'rice field' altarpiece (, kinugasa), which symbolizes the abundance of rice. Visitors can also enjoy traditional festivals like the Rice-planting Ceremony (, kikai e) in late February.
Historical note
Great Mountain Okuninushi Inari Shrine was originally built as a humble shrine in the town of Shimoizumi but was later relocated to Annaka due to the expanding influence of rice farming.