Located in the heart of Sapporo, Hokkaido's largest city,稲荷神社 is one of Japan's oldest and most revered Shinto shrines. Dating back to 1869, it was rebuilt after a devastating fire and has since become an iconic symbol of the city's cultural heritage. The shrine is dedicated to the kami Inari Okami, revered as the patron deity of rice, fertility, and prosperity.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Inari Okami
- Kami enshrined
- Inari, Okami
- Coordinates
- 43.1773929, 141.0128303
Visitor tip
To make the most of your visit, consider visiting during cherry blossom season (March-April) or autumn foliage (November-December) to witness the stunning natural beauty surrounding the shrine.
Cultural notes
Inari Okami is often depicted as a fox or a woman with long black hair, symbolizing fertility and abundance. The shrine's famous vermilion torii gate, adorned with thousands of paper lanterns during New Year (Oshogatsu) celebrations, serves as a testament to the Shinto tradition of purification and renewal.
Historical note
The current shrine was rebuilt in 1869 after a major fire destroyed the original structure.