Kasama Inari Shrine [Ibaraki]

【Kasama Inari Shrine summary】

Kasama Inari Shrine was built in 651 (Shiraki 2). In 1743, during the reign of Emperor Sakuracho, the shrine was expanded by Masatoshi Inoue, then lord of Kasama Castle, and in 1747, Sadamichi Makino became lord of the castle and designated the shrine as a place of prayer, to which he donated ritual implements. Since then, the shrine has been revered by successive lords of the feudal domain. The shrine boasts the highest number of New Year’s worshippers in Ibaraki Prefecture and is said to be one of the three major Inari shrines in Japan, although there are several theories.

Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine [Kyoto]

Yutoku Inari Shrine [Saga]

He is also known for his odd relationship with Kyu Sakamoto, who never lacked faith throughout his life.

Since it is an Inari shrine, the deity is enshrined as Ukanomitama-no-Mikoto.

【Kasama Inari Shrine large torii】

The stone torii gate used to be made of Inada stone mined in Kasama City, but was rebuilt in 2016 after it collapsed during the earthquake. It is approximately 10 meters high, has been replaced with steel, and painted in “Kasama Shu-iro,” the same color as the shrine pavilion.

【Kasama Inari Shrine shopping street in the precincts of a shrine (temple)】

The approach stretching from the torii gate to the tower gate is lined with stores on both sides and is called “Nakamise. It is a typical Japanese scene with shaved ice and souvenir shops.

【Kasama Inari Shrine tower gate】

The magnificent tower gate was completed in 1961. It is a multi-layered gabled structure.

【Kasama Inari Shrine Double-petaled wisteria】

Passing through the gate, there is a natural monument wisteria trellis that is 400 years old.

Kameido Tenjinja Shrine in Tokyo also has a magnificent wisteria trellis, but this one is larger and more spectacular. It is also nice to be able to see the wisteria slowly without crowds.

Kameido Tenjin Shrine [Tokyo]

【Kasama Inari Shrine sacred tree】

The sacred tree is a walnut tree, which I thought was unusual. In the past, this area was a dense forest of walnut trees, and the shrine was located under a walnut tree, hence the other name of Kasama Inari Shrine, “Walnut Inari”.

【Kasama Inari Shrine Main shrine】

The main shrine was built in 1860 and is now designated as a National Important Cultural Property. It is painted in “Kasama Shu-iro,” which is a subdued color that blends well with the old and newly painted structures. It is now designated as an Important Cultural Property.

【Kasama Inari Shrine boulder formed from gravel and sediment】

This shrine also had a “tazareishi” (a small stone that is a small stone that is a part of the lyrics of the national anthem). From the “Sazareishi Park” in Kasuga-mura, Ibigawa-cho, Gifu Prefecture, they are dedicated to major shrines and temples throughout Japan. In the Kanto region, the following shrines also have the “Sazare-ishi”.

Meiji Jingu Shrine [Tokyo]

Kashima Jingu Shrine [Ibaraki]

Yasukuni-jinja Shrine [Tokyo]

Hikawa Shrine (Musashi Ichinomiya) [Saitama]

【Kasama Inari Shrine Memory of the construction work for the preservation of the main hall GOSHUIN】

【Kasama Inari Shrine Nearby attractions】

Shofukuji Temple Kasama Azalea Park

Shofukuji Temple and Kasama Tsutsuji Park(Kasama Azalea Park) [Ibaraki]

【Kasama Inari Shrine Access】

関連投稿(Related Posts):

Shofukuji Temple and Kasama Tsutsuji Park(Kasama Azalea Park) [Ibaraki] Kashima Jingu Shrine [Ibaraki] Ushiku Great Buddha(Ushiku Daibutsu) [Ibaraki] Hie-jinja Shrine and Sanno Inari Shrine [Tokyo]