⛩️ Kasama Inari Shrine

Kasama Inari Shrine is located in the central part of Kasama City, Ibaraki Prefecture. It is said to have been built in the 2nd year of the Hakuchi era (651 AD) during the reign of Emperor Kōtoku in the Asuka period. It is recognized as one of Japan's three major Inari shrines, alongside Fushimi Inari Taisha in Kyoto and Yutoku Inari Shrine in Saga. The shrine enshrines Uka no Mitama no Kami, the guardian deity of various industries including agriculture, industry, fisheries, and commerce, and is widely revered by the public. The famous Akō Incident (Chūshingura) involved the Asano family, who were originally the lords of Kasama, moving to Akō during the time of Asano Takuminokami Naganao, the grandfather of the Asano family. The prominent vassals of the Asano family, the Ōishi family, also held great respect for Kasama Inari Shrine, with Ōishi Kuranosuke enshrining the Ōishi Inari brought from Kasama Inari at his residence in Akō. The main hall, located behind the worship hall, is an important cultural property of the nation, rebuilt in the late Edo period. Inside the shrine, there are exquisite carvings known as "Three-Headed Dragon" and "Peony Lion," showcasing the intricate beauty of the craftsmanship of that time. Along the approach to the shrine, there are many souvenir shops and eateries. Popular local delicacies include inari sushi made with bean curd skin, a favorite of the foxes, messengers of Inari Ōkami, and walnut buns named after the shrine's sacred tree, "walnut."

You can still see vines that are over 400 years old, which bloom light purple flowers around late April to May each year. This is the main venue for the "Chrysanthemum Festival" held in Kasama City from mid-October to late November each year. Located on the approach to the shrine is the "Kasama Historical Exchange Center Izutsuya," which introduces the history and tourism information of Kasama.