Located in the city of Yasugi, Gunma Prefecture, 飯玉神社 is a Shinto shrine dedicated to Inari Okami, the Shinto god of rice and fertility. The shrine is known for its beautiful architecture, serene gardens, and unique torii gate. Visitors can explore the shrine's many shrines and halls, including the main shrine hall dedicated to Inari Okami.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Inari Okami
- Kami enshrined
- Inari Okami, Fox Spirit Inari
- Coordinates
- 36.2488438, 139.0341685
Visitor tip
To make the most of your visit, be sure to bring a few ears of rice as an offering to Inari Okami at the designated ear rice slot.
Cultural notes
As one of Japan's many Inari shrines, 飯玉神社 is connected to the mythology of the fox spirit Inari Okami. According to legend, Inari was a kami who helped humans by collecting grains of rice in his mouth and storing them in a granary. The shrine also hosts an annual Rice Festival (Goharahai Matsuri) in November, where participants make offerings of food, drink, and other gifts to the god.
Historical note
The shrine was built in 1593 by Tokugawa Ieyasu, one of Japan's most famous shoguns, who is believed to have brought the shrine from its original location in Edo (modern-day Tokyo).