Located in the heart of Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture, Soba Jinja is a historic Shinto shrine dedicated to Inari Okami, the kami of rice and fertility. The shrine's name 'Soba' refers to the traditional Japanese noodle made from buckwheat flour, which is believed to have been introduced to Japan during the Heian period. Visitors can admire the shrine's vermilion torii gate and explore the surrounding gardens, which are said to be inspired by Chinese landscape paintings.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Inari
- Kami enshrined
- Inari
- Coordinates
- 38.4595552, 141.2874623
Visitor tip
To experience the shrine's rich history, try visiting during the autumn foliage season (November) when the surrounding leaves turn vibrant colors.
Cultural notes
Soba Jinja is famous for its 'Tsukushi matsuri', a festival held in September to honor Inari Okami. During this festival, participants carry offerings of rice and sweets through the streets while chanting prayers and performing traditional dances.
Historical note
The shrine was originally built in the Nara period (712-794 CE), but its current structure dates back to the Edo period (1603-1868 CE).