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The head shrine of approximately 30,000 Inari shrines across Japan, and one of the country's most beloved destinations for international visitors. Its legendary 'Senbon Torii'—thousands of vermilion torii gates forming a winding tunnel—is recognized worldwide.
Shrine Info
- Enshrined Deity
- Ukanomitama no Okami (principal deity), Sadahiko no Okami, Omiyanome no Okami, Tanaka no Okami, Shi no Okami (the five deities of Inari Okami)
- Founded
- Enshrined on Mt. Inari on the first horse day of February, Wado 4 (711). Marked the 1,300th anniversary of its enshrinement in 2011
- Annual Festival
- Hatsuuma Taisai (first horse day of February); Inari Matsuri (April to May 3); Taue-sai (rice-planting festival) (June 10); Hongu-sai (July); Hitaki-sai (November 8)
History & Origins
Founded in 711 CE (the 4th year of Wado), this is one of Japan's oldest Inari shrines. It has long been revered as the deity of prosperous business and bountiful harvests.
Highlights
The mesmerizing tunnel of vermilion torii gates is breathtaking at any hour. A popular hiking trail leads to the summit of Mt. Inari (233 m above sea level), a roughly 4 km trek through the sacred mountain.
Visitor Guide
Open 24 hours. Early mornings and evenings are peaceful and atmospheric with far fewer visitors. Allow 2–3 hours for a round trip to the summit. Comfortable walking shoes are essential.
Best Season
Spring for fresh greenery and autumn for fall foliage. Early mornings are ideal for photography with soft, diffused light.
Annual Events
- February (first Day of the Horse)
Hatsuuma Taisai (First Horse Day Festival)
A festival commemorating the day in 711 (the first Day of the Horse in February) when the deity was enshrined on Mt. Inari. It is a grand festival at the heart of Inari worship.
- April to May 3
Inarisai (Inari Festival)
An annual grand festival featuring a portable shrine procession. It is held from the Sunday nearest April 20 through May 3.
- June 10
Taue Sai (Rice Planting Festival)
A festival based on the shrine's origins as a deity of agriculture, held to pray for a bountiful harvest of the five grains.
- July
Motomiya Sai (Main Shrine Festival)
A summer grand festival held on the first Sunday or public holiday after the start of the doyo period.
- November 8
Hitaki Sai (Fire Festival)
An autumn festival in which fires are lit to give thanks for the deities' blessings and to pray for wishes to be fulfilled.
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