Indra Shrine, located in Akita Prefecture, is one of the oldest shrines dedicated to Inari Okami, the Shinto deity of rice and fertility. The shrine's architecture reflects its Heian-period foundation, with a distinctive rectangular shape and tiled roof. Visitors can explore the shrine's many torii gates, each representing a different level of purification. The shrine is also famous for its unique custom of 'tsukumogami,' where old objects are believed to take on supernatural powers after 100 years.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Inari
- Kami enshrined
- Inari
- Coordinates
- 40.0057736, 140.4008775
Visitor tip
Try to arrive at the shrine during the spring festival (April-May), when many vendors sell traditional sweets and tea.
Cultural notes
Inari Shrine is closely tied to the legend of Inari Okami, who was said to have been born from a large rice grain. The shrine's many fox kami are believed to be his messengers and are often depicted in art and literature as intelligent and magical creatures.
Historical note
Founded in 738 AD, during the Nara period, by Prince Nagaya no Okura, a grandson of Emperor Junnin.