Reshūjī Inari Shrine, located in the town of Oku, is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the deity of rice and fertility in the region of Hitachi, which includes Ibaraki Prefecture. The shrine's primary enshrined kami is Inari Ōkami, the patron god of agriculture, industry, and education. The shrine's architecture reflects traditional Heian period styles, with a distinctive five-story pagoda known as a 'hōshū.' Visitors can offer prayers for good harvests, academic success, or career advancement at the shrine's numerous stalls selling rice, sake, and other local goods.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Inari Ōkami
- Kami enshrined
- Inari, Ōkami
- Coordinates
- 35.753874, 139.8698615
Visitor tip
To purify your body and mind before visiting the shrine, take a dip in the nearby Hitachi River or bathe at one of the public onsen (hot springs) before making an offering.
Cultural notes
Inari Shrine is famous for its 'fox statues' which symbolize the fox spirits, known as kitsune, that are said to inhabit the shrine. The shrine also holds a festival, Hitachi Odori, in August where participants dance through the streets while carrying large wooden floats adorned with Inari Ōkami's image.
Historical note
The shrine was rebuilt in 1622 after being destroyed by the Genpei War.