Located in Saitama Prefecture, Ando Inari Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the god of rice and fertility, Inari Okami. The shrine's architecture reflects the traditional style of the Heian period, with its main hall featuring a tiled roof and a five-story pagoda. Visitors can explore the shrine's grounds, which include numerous shrines and sub-shrines dedicated to various kami. One notable feature is the 'Inari Festival' held annually in November, where locals dress up as Inari Okami and dance through the streets.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Inari Okami
- Kami enshrined
- Inari Okami, Multiple fox kami
- Coordinates
- 35.7420182, 139.6075201
Visitor tip
To fully appreciate the shrine's beauty, visit at dawn or dusk when the sunlight casts a golden glow on the main hall's tiled roof.
Cultural notes
Inari Okami is often depicted with multiple fox tails, symbolizing his connection to the fox spirits. The shrine also has a unique tradition of 'fox bell ringing', where devotees ring large bells hung from trees to ward off evil spirits and bring good fortune.
Historical note
The shrine was founded in the Edo period, during the reign of Tokugawa Ieyasu.