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At the time of the separation of gods and Buddhas, Inari, which received special permission due to the "syncretism of gods and Buddhas" in its worship form, is one of Japan's three major Inari shrines. Its official name is "Mogami Inariyama Myokyoji." Although it is a temple, it retains the architectural style of a shrine with its old main hall and a large torii gate standing in the rural area of Kibi.
It enshrines the highest-ranking Kyoō Daibosatsu, also known as "Inari Daimyōjin," who is said to have descended upon the Yatsudake Rock during the training of the great benefactor. From the west side of the old main hall, a mountain trail leads to the sacred Yatsudake Rock, named for its area that is roughly equivalent to eight tatami mats. From this location, one can overlook the ruins of Bichu Takamatsu Castle and other scenic views. Nearby, there is the "Iwakai Myōō" with its bubbling clear spring and the "Daimoku Rock," a large rock standing 8 meters high, which is worth a visit.
The main hall, completed in 1979 after five years of construction, is the representative building of Mogami Inari, enshrining the Mogami deity. This was part of a commemorative project marking 1200 years since the founding of the mountain, and the old main hall has been moved to the back.
The old main hall, rebuilt in 1741 in the style of a medieval shrine, is surrounded by the "77 subsidiary shrines" that enshrine various heavenly kings. Among them, the "En no Matsusha" allows for prayers to sever bad ties and establish good ones. After being burned down in a forest fire, the Nio Gate, a rare stone structure in the style of an Indian hall, was constructed as the main entrance.
