Kanmuri Inari Shrine

Kinoe Torii​

Kinoene is an old expression to describe the special direction of northeast. And the gateway at the entrance of a Shinto shrine is called “torii”.

Temizu-Ya

Here, visitors to the shrine can purify themselves by washing their hands and rinsing out their mouths. When using the ladle "Hishaku", it is forbidden to drink from it directly.

Japanese Quince (Boke)

This protected plum tree blooms in spring. There are many varieties of the Japanese quince; the ones at the shrine are vermillions. It is said that about 400years ago, an infertile wife went to worship at the shrine everyday. One day, a messenger from the gods appeared and said, "You should take Boke extract and you will become fertile”. She did and she became pregnant. She planted Japanese quince tree as a token of her appreciation. Although it only looks like one tree, it is actually about 400trees that have grown together in a cluster. People come here to pray for conception, an easy delivery, and for a healthy body and mind. Boke can be used to make a revitalizing elixir. Boke actually means "senile”, but people believe it also prevents senility.

Fragrant Olive (Kinmokusei)

It is said that the famous military commander, Nitta Yoshisada planted these trees on Kanayama. These fourth generation trees at the shrine bloom in fall.

Front Shrine and Main Hall.

Ota city has designated the front shrine and main hall as historical and cultural landmarks. Kanmuri Inari shrine was founded 800years ago. The front shrine and main hall were built about 300years ago. They are dedicated to Ukanomitama-no-mikoto, the deity of the harvest. He is also a deity of business. Historically in Japan, having a good harvest led to social affluence.

Shoten-gu

This is dedicated to Izanagi-no-mikoto and Izanami-no-mikoto, the first god and goddess in Japanese mythology. The shrine was built by Mirokuji Otojiro and his son Otohachi. They were renowned master craftsmen during the late Edo period and Early Meiji period.