Located in the city of Kesennuma, Miyagi Prefecture, the Okazaki Inari Meigetsu Taisha is a historic Shinto shrine dedicated to the deity Inari, the patron kami of rice and industry. The shrine's architecture reflects traditional Heian-style design, with a main hall constructed from wood and covered in vermilion shingles. Visitors can explore the various shrines within the complex, including the shrine for the sea god Ryujin and the shrine for the god of wisdom, Benzaiten.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Inari
- Kami enshrined
- Inari, Ryujin, Benzaiten
- Coordinates
- 38.0051753, 140.7388868
Visitor tip
For those visiting the shrine, it is recommended to purchase a souvenir rice ball at one of the many vendors on site, as this is said to bring good luck and favor with the deity.
Cultural notes
The shrine plays an important role in local festivals and traditions, particularly during the annual Rice-Planting Festival (Matsuri) in May. Additionally, the shrine's architecture features a unique Shinto element: the use of paper lanterns, known as 'tayu,' which are hung from the eaves to ward off evil spirits.
Historical note
The shrine was established during the Nara period (710-794 CE) as a local temple dedicated to Inari. It has since undergone numerous renovations and expansions, with the current main hall constructed in the Kamakura period (1185-1333 CE).