Located in the Akita Prefecture, Inari Shrine is a revered Shinto site dedicated to the worship of Inari Okami, the Shinto deity of rice, industry, and fertility. The shrine's architecture is characterized by its unique vermilion torii gates, which are believed to ward off evil spirits. Visitors can walk through the gates adorned with thousands of vermilion threads, a symbol of their devotion and prayers.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Inari Okami
- Kami enshrined
- Inari, Kamado no Okami, Tsukiyomi no Kamado, Ōkuninushi
- Coordinates
- 40.0988643, 140.3075095
Visitor tip
To avoid crowds, visit the shrine early in the morning or late in the evening when the vermilion torii gates are at their most vibrant.
Cultural notes
Inari Shrine is deeply connected to the Shinto mythology of rice and fertility. According to legend, Inari Okami took on his current form after receiving a sacred sword from the sun goddess Amaterasu. The shrine's many fox spirits, known as kitsune, are also believed to be enshrined here, embodying the qualities of wisdom, cunning, and fertility.
Historical note
The shrine was originally built in the 7th century as a sacred site for the worship of Inari Okami, and its current structure dates back to the 17th century.