Yakyu Inari Shrine, located in the city of Funabashi in Chiba Prefecture, is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the worship of Inari Okami, the kami of rice, industry, and fertility. The shrine's name, Yakyu, meaning 'bow and arrow,' reflects its historical significance as a sacred site for archery and hunting. The shrine's architecture is typical of Edo-period shrines, with a wooden torii gate and a spacious courtyard surrounded by vermilion walls.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Inari
- Kami enshrined
- Inari Okami, Bikuni
- Coordinates
- 35.6849767, 139.7945627
Visitor tip
To make the most of your visit, try to attend the shrine's annual 'Setsubun' festival, which takes place on February 3rd and involves the throwing of soybeans to ward off evil spirits.
Cultural notes
Yakyu Inari Shrine is particularly famous for its association with the legend of the 'Bikuni,' a group of female samurai who served as Inari Okami's female attendants. According to myth, these women were granted eternal youth and beauty by their kami patron. The shrine also celebrates the festival of 'Inari Matsuri,' which takes place in May and features parades of devotees carrying giant lanterns and offerings.
Historical note
Founded in 1618 during the Edo period, Yakyu Inari Shrine was originally built as a sacred site for the Funabashi region's aristocratic families.