Located in the town of Shirase, Gunma Prefecture, 鹿島神社 is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the deity Inari Okami, revered as the patron of rice, industry, and fertility. The shrine's architecture reflects its historical significance during the Edo period, with a unique blend of traditional and modern elements.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Inari Okami
- Kami enshrined
- Inari Okami
- Coordinates
- 36.2832696, 139.0311183
Visitor tip
To fully appreciate the shrine's beauty, visit at dawn or dusk to avoid the crowds, and consider making a small offering of rice or other food items at the shrine's front gates.
Cultural notes
As an Inari shrine, 鹿島神社 is known for its thousands of vermilion torii gates that form a tunnel leading up to the main shrine. The shrine also hosts various festivals throughout the year, including the Shishimai Matsuri in April and the Autumn Leaves Festival in November.
Historical note
Founded in 1636 by the Tokugawa shogunate as part of their nationwide shrine-building project.