Inari Shrine (Matsumae Town) Complete Guide: History, Deities, and Access Information
Among the Inari shrines scattered throughout Japan, several are located in the area known as “Matsumae Town.” This article provides detailed information about the Inari shrines in Matsumae Town, Matsumae District, Hokkaido, and Matsumae Town, Iyo District, Ehime Prefecture, including their history, enshrined deities, grounds, and access methods.
What is an Inari Shrine?
Inari shrines are representative Japanese shrines known for their blessings of abundant harvests, business prosperity, and family safety. There are said to be over 30,000 such shrines nationwide, with the head shrine being Fushimi Inari Taisha in Kyoto. The main deity enshrined is Ukanomitama-no-Mikoto, widely worshipped as the god of agriculture, including rice cultivation, and as the guardian deity of industry in general.
The Inari shrines in Matsumae Town have also been carefully preserved as venerable shrines with a long history, attracting the faith of the local people.
Inari Shrine in Matsumae-cho, Matsumae-gun, Hokkaido
Aratani Inari Shrine
While there are several Inari shrines in Matsumae-cho, Matsumae-gun, Hokkaido, the most representative is the Inari Shrine located in the Aratani area.
Location and Basic Information
Location: 263 Aratani, Matsumae-cho, Matsumae-gun, Hokkaido
Annual Festival Date: July 10th
Former Shrine Rank: Village Shrine
Shrine Building Area: 19 tsubo
Shrine Grounds Area: 69 tsubo
Number of Parishioners: Approximately 100 households
Number of Worshippers: Approximately 20 people
It belongs to the Hokkaido Shrine Association and functions as a center of local faith.
Deities Enshrined
The following three deities are enshrined at Aratani Inari Shrine:
- Ukanomitama-no-Mikoto: The principal deity of Inari shrines, the god of abundant harvests and business prosperity.
- Ōmononushi-no-Kami: The god of nation-building, the guardian deity of agriculture, industry, and commerce.
- Kotoshironushi-no-Kami: The god of oracles, the god of business prosperity.
This combination of three deities represents the faith of the people of Matsumae Town, who pray for the prosperity of the region from both agricultural and commercial perspectives.
History and Origin
The founding of Inari Shrine (Aratani) is said to be in Genbun 5 (1740), but unfortunately, detailed historical documents do not remain, and the exact circumstances of its founding are unknown. Founded in the mid-Edo period, this shrine has attracted the faith of the local people for over 280 years.
In 1876 (Meiji 9), it was ranked as a village shrine, establishing its status as an official Shinto shrine. Later, in 1946 (Showa 21), it was established as a religious corporation, and remains so to this day.
Matsumae Town is a historic town that flourished as a castle town of the Matsumae Domain during the Edo period, and the Inari Shrine has also played an important role as a spiritual pillar for the local residents throughout its history.
Access Information
By Train/Bus:
- Get off at Kikonai Station on the JR Tsugaru Kaikyo Line (now a third-sector railway following the opening of the Hokkaido Shinkansen).
- Get off at Aratani bus stop on the Hakodate Bus, approximately 3 minutes on foot.
By Car:
- Approximately 90km (about 2 hours) southwest from Hakodate city center via National Route 228.
- Approximately 10 minutes by car from Matsumae Castle.
The Aratani area is a quiet settlement somewhat removed from the center of Matsumae Town, surrounded by abundant nature.
Inari Shrine in Tatehama
There is another Inari Shrine in Matsumae Town, located in the Tatehama area.
Location: 286 Tatehama, Matsumae-cho, Matsumae-gun, Hokkaido
This shrine also belongs to the Hokkaido Shrine Association and is a center of local faith. The Tatehama area is located along the coast of Matsumae Town and is a region where fishing is thriving.
Inari Shrine in Matsumae-cho, Iyo-gun, Ehime Prefecture
There is also a place name “Matsumae-cho” in Ehime Prefecture, and several Inari Shrines are located there as well. Matsumae-cho in Iyo-gun is a town adjacent to the south of Matsuyama City and has flourished since ancient times as a transportation hub of Iyo Province.
Nishitakayanagi Inari Shrine
Location and Basic Information
Location: 128-2 (or 130) Nishitakayanagi, Masaki-cho, Iyo-gun, Ehime Prefecture
Phone Number: 089-984-8114
Nearest Station: Approximately 7 minutes on foot from Okada Station on the Iyo Railway Gunchu Line
This shrine belongs to the Ehime Prefectural Shrine Association and is revered by local residents.
Deities Enshrined
The following deities are enshrined at this Inari Shrine:
Main Deity:
- Ukanomitama-no-kami: The same deity as Ukanomitama-no-mikoto, the god of abundant harvests.
Subordinate Deities:
- Tanaka-no-kami: God of rice fields
- Ota-no-kami: Great god of rice fields
- Shinatsuhiko-no-kami: God of wind
- Shinatobe-no-kami: God of wind
The deities enshrined here are deeply connected to agriculture, reflecting the history of Matsumae Town, where rice cultivation was a thriving agricultural industry.
Features of the Shrine Grounds
In addition to the main shrine building, the Nishitakayanagi Inari Shrine also houses votive tablets (ema), reflecting the wishes of the local people. Despite being located in a residential area, the shrine grounds maintain a quiet and peaceful atmosphere.
Historical Background
Masaki Town in Ehime Prefecture was formerly part of the Matsuyama Domain and developed as a key transportation and economic hub in Iyo Province. It is believed that the Inari shrines in this area have played an important role since the Edo period as places where people prayed for abundant harvests.
Tsuruyoshi Inari Shrine
Location: Tsuruyoshi, Masaki Town, Iyo District, Ehime Prefecture
Nearest Station: Approximately 12 minutes on foot from Minami-Iyo Station on the Iyo Railway Gunchu Line
An Inari shrine is also located in the Tsuruyoshi area, attracting the faith of the local community.
Benefits of Inari Shrines
The main benefits that can be obtained at Inari shrines are as follows:
Abundant Harvests and Agricultural Prosperity
The main deity, Ukanomitama-no-Mikoto, as the name suggests, is the god who presides over the “soul of rice.” As a god prayed to for abundant harvests in agriculture, including rice cultivation, it has long been revered by farmers.
Business Prosperity and Success
Since the Edo period, Inari has been widely worshipped as a god of business prosperity. It is especially revered by merchants and business owners.
Family Safety and Good Fortune
Inari is worshipped by ordinary households as a god who brings health, safety, and good fortune to families.
Industrial Development
In modern times, Inari is worshipped not only for agriculture but also as a god who prays for the development of all industries.
Annual Festivals and Events
Annual Festival in Matsumae Town (Aratani), Hokkaido
Annual Festival Date: July 10th
At the summer festival, local parishioners gather and perform Shinto rituals. Held during Hokkaido’s short summer, this festival is an important event that strengthens the bonds of the local community.
Festivals in Matsumae Town, Ehime Prefecture
Inari shrines in Ehime Prefecture also perform various Shinto rituals throughout the year. The Hatsuumasai festival (the first Day of the Horse in February) is a particularly important festival for Inari shrines, attracting many worshippers.
Etiquette for Worship
Here are some basic etiquette rules for visiting an Inari shrine.
How to Pass Through the Torii Gate
Bow before passing through the torii gate. It is considered polite to avoid walking in the center of the path (the center is considered the path of the gods).
Proper Hand-Washing Ritual
- Hold the ladle in your right hand and wash your left hand.
- Switch the ladle to your left hand and wash your right hand.
- Switch the ladle back to your right hand, receive water in your left hand, and rinse your mouth.
- Wash your left hand again.
- Hold the ladle upright, wash the handle, and return it to its original position.
Worship at the Main Hall
- Quietly place your offering in the offering box.
- If there is a bell, ring it.
- Perform two bows, two claps, and one bow (two deep bows, two claps, one deep bow).
History and Culture of Matsumae Town
Matsumae Town, Hokkaido
Matsumae Town, Hokkaido, is a historical town home to Matsumae Castle, the only Japanese-style castle in Hokkaido. During the Edo period, it flourished as a castle town of the Matsumae Domain, serving as a base for northern defense and trade. Trade with the Ainu people was also thriving, fostering a unique culture.
Matsumae Town is known as “Japan’s northernmost castle town,” and the area around Matsumae Castle boasts approximately 10,000 cherry trees of about 250 varieties, earning it a place among “Japan’s Top 100 Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots.”
Matsumae Town, Ehime Prefecture
Matsumae Town, Iyo District, Ehime Prefecture, is located south of Matsuyama City and has long developed as a transportation hub in Iyo Province. During the Edo period, it was part of the Matsuyama Domain and a thriving agricultural and commercial area.
Currently, it is developing as a commuter town for Matsuyama City, and its population is increasing. The Iyo Railway Gunchu Line runs through the town, providing good access to Matsuyama City.
Nearby Tourist Attractions
Around Matsumae Town, Hokkaido
Matsumae Castle (Fukuyama Castle): Hokkaido’s only Japanese-style castle. The castle tower houses a museum where visitors can learn about the history of the Matsumae Domain.
Matsumae Domain Residence: A theme park recreating the townscape of Matsumae during the Edo period.
Matsumae Park: Famous for its cherry blossoms. Many tourists visit in spring.
Shirakami Cape: The southernmost cape in Hokkaido. A scenic spot overlooking the Tsugaru Strait.
Around Matsumae Town, Ehime Prefecture
Matsuyama Castle: One of the 12 remaining original castle keeps. A symbol of Matsuyama City.
Dogo Onsen: One of Japan’s oldest hot springs. Approximately 30 minutes by car from Matsumae Town.
Iyo Railway Gunchu Line: A railway with a retro atmosphere. Popular with railway enthusiasts.
Shigenobu Riverbank: A nature-rich walking spot.
Manners and Etiquette for Shrine Visits
Regarding Clothing
While there are no specific dress code requirements for shrine visits, it is desirable to wear clean and subdued clothing, keeping in mind that it is a sacred place. Avoid revealing or overly flashy clothing.
Regarding Photography
Photography is generally permitted within the shrine grounds, but it is considered good manners to refrain from taking photos inside the main hall or during Shinto rituals. If unsure, please check with the shrine office.
Respect
Shrines are places of prayer. Please refrain from speaking loudly or running around, and pray quietly.
Regarding Goshuin (Shrine Seals)
Collecting Goshuin has become popular in recent years, but it is recommended to check in advance regarding Goshuin availability at Inari Shrine (Matsumae Town). Especially at smaller shrines, there may not be a resident priest.
When requesting a Goshuin, please bring your Goshuin book after completing your prayers and make your request politely. Remember that Goshuin are proof of your visit, not a stamp rally.
Access and Precautions for Visiting
Transportation Access to Matsumae Town, Hokkaido
From Hakodate:
- By Car: Approximately 90km, 2 hours via National Route 228
- By Bus: Approximately 2 hours 30 minutes on the Hakodate Bus bound for “Matsumae Branch Office”
By Shinkansen:
- Get off at “Kikonai Station” on the Hokkaido Shinkansen, then transfer to a Hakodate Bus.
During winter, there is a possibility of snow and icy roads, so caution is necessary.
Transportation Access to Matsumae Town, Ehime Prefecture
From Matsuyama City:
- By Train: Approximately 20 minutes on the Iyo Railway Gunchu Line
- By Car: Approximately 20 minutes via National Route 56
- By Bus: Approximately 30 minutes on the Iyo Railway Bus
From Matsuyama Airport: Easily accessible, approximately 15 minutes by car.
Summary
Inari Shrines (in Matsumae Town, Hokkaido) are important shrines that attract the faith of local people, despite being located in geographically distant regions of Hokkaido and Ehime Prefecture. The Inari Shrine in Matsumae Town, Hokkaido, is said to have been founded in 1740 (Genbun 5), boasting a history of over 280 years, and enshrines three deities: Ukanomitama-no-Mikoto, Omononushi-no-Kami, and Kotoshironushi-no-Kami.
The Inari Shrine in Matsumae Town, Ehime Prefecture, also enshrines Ukanomitama-no-Kami as its main deity, along with other agricultural gods, and has watched over the region’s abundant harvests and prosperity.
Both shrines offer blessings for abundant harvests, business prosperity, and family safety, and are open not only to local residents but also to tourists. When visiting the historic town of Matsumae, why not pay your respects at an Inari Shrine and experience the history and culture of the region?
Through shrine visits, you can feel the traditional culture of Japan and the history of the region. Taking time to calm your mind in the tranquil temple grounds and express your daily gratitude and prayers to the gods will surely be a precious moment in the midst of today’s busy life.
