Located in the mountains of Nagano Prefecture, Yazawa Inarisha Shrine is a Shinto temple dedicated to the rice goddess Inari Okami. The shrine is situated at the foot of Mount Chokai and is known for its beautiful gardens and traditional architecture. Visitors can explore the shrine's main hall, which features a striking vermillion roof, and stroll through the surrounding forest, where locals often come to pray and offer food to the kami.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Inari Okami
- Kami enshrined
- Inari Okami
- Coordinates
- 36.0010505, 138.1244733
Visitor tip
To make the most of your visit, try to arrive at the shrine early in the morning to witness the traditional rice-grain offerings to Inari Okami. Bring a small bag of glutinous rice and a prayer to leave at the shrine's entrance.
Cultural notes
Yazawa Inarisha Shrine is closely tied to the mythology of Inari Okami, who is revered for his role in ensuring bountiful harvests and prosperity. Locals often participate in the annual 'Tsukimi' festival, which honors the goddess of the full moon, and offer rice cakes and sake to the shrine's kami.
Historical note
The shrine was established in 1743 during the Edo period, and its name 'Yazawa' is derived from the local Yazawa clan, who were believed to have been descended from Inari Okami's priests.