Complete Guide to Shiroyama Inari Shrine (Kasama City, Ibaraki Prefecture) | A Power Spot for Career Advancement and Good Fortune, One of the Three Kasama Inari Shrines
Shiroyama Inari Shrine, located in Kasama City, Ibaraki Prefecture, is also known as “Shiroyama Shusse Inari Daimyojin” and is a historical shrine known for its blessings of career advancement and good fortune. While adjacent to Kasama Inari Shrine, one of Japan’s three major Inari shrines, it stands independently and is counted among the “Three Kasama Inari Shrines” along with Kasama Inari and Yori Inari. This article provides a detailed explanation of everything you need to know before visiting Shiroyama Inari Shrine, including its history, enshrined deities, highlights of the grounds, information on Goshuin (shrine stamps), and access methods.
History and Origins of Shiroyama Inari Shrine
History of Founding and Relocation
The exact founding date of Shiroyama Inari Shrine is unclear, but its origins are ancient, and it is believed to have originally been located on Mount Sashiro. This shrine shares a similar history with the nearby Kasama Inari Shrine, suggesting a possible origin dating back to the Hakuchi era (around 650 AD).
In 1692 (Genroku 5), it was relocated to its current location, and the present main hall was rebuilt in 1697 (Genroku 10). This main hall is a valuable cultural asset, preserving the architectural style of the mid-Edo period, and is designated as a cultural property of Kasama City.
Connection to Kasama Castle
As its name “Shiroyama” (Castle Mountain) suggests, this shrine has a deep connection to Kasama Castle. It was revered by the lord of Kasama Castle and played an important role as the guardian deity of the castle town. Its blessings for career advancement and good fortune are thought to have been linked to the samurai class’s desire for success and advancement.
Deities and Benefits
Main Deity: Ukanomitama-no-Mikoto
The main deity enshrined at Shiroyama Inari Shrine is Ukanomitama-no-Mikoto. This deity has been worshipped since ancient times as the god of grains and food, and is a representative deity enshrined at Inari shrines throughout Japan. In the Kojiki (Records of Ancient Matters), this deity is described as the child of Susanoo-no-Mikoto and Kami-Oichihime.
Benefits for Career Advancement and Good Fortune
As its alternative name, “Shiroyama Shusse Inari Daimyojin” (Shiroyama Career Advancement Inari Great Deity), suggests, Shiroyama Inari Shrine is particularly known for its benefits of career advancement and good fortune. In addition to the general benefits of Inari worship such as business prosperity and abundant harvests, many worshippers visit to pray for career advancement, promotion, and success.
Even today, many people visit the shrine at important life events such as job hunting, career changes, and promotion exams, attracting the faith of business professionals.
Highlights and Cultural Properties within the Shrine Grounds
Main Hall, a City-Designated Cultural Property
The main hall of Shiroyama Inari Shrine is protected as a Kasama City-designated cultural property, and its architectural beauty is a must-see.
Architectural Features:
- Construction Period: Mid-Edo Period (Genroku 10, 1697)
- Size: The portico is 1.4m wide and 3.1m high. The main hall is 0.86m wide, 1.5m deep, with 2.0m x 2.6m eaves.
- Materials: High-quality architecture using zelkova and cypress wood.
- Decoration: Exquisite and magnificent carvings adorn various parts, and multiple decorative metal fittings adorn the portico pillars and crossbeams.
Although small in scale, this shrine strongly retains the characteristics of mid-Edo period shrine architecture, and the meticulously crafted carvings speak to the high level of craftsmanship of the time. When visiting, be sure to pay attention to the details of the carvings.
Atmosphere of the Shrine Grounds
Shiroyama Inari Shrine is adjacent to Kasama Inari Shrine, but it has its own independent grounds, allowing for a peaceful and tranquil atmosphere for worship. In contrast to the bustling atmosphere of Kasama Inari Shrine, a quiet and solemn air prevails, making it an ideal environment for those who wish to offer heartfelt prayers.
The grounds are well-maintained, ensuring a refreshing environment for worship. When visiting Kasama Inari Shrine, we highly recommend also visiting this shrine.
Information on Goshuin (Shrine Seals) and Goshuincho (Shrine Seal Books)
About Goshuin
Goshuin (shrine seals) are available at Shiroyama Inari Shrine. In recent years, an electronic goshuin service has also been offered, attracting attention as a new way to record pilgrimages in the digital age.
Goshuin (Shrine Seal) Information:
- Issuance of Goshuin: Possible
- Electronic Goshuin: Available
- Location: Shrine Office (If the office is closed, the adjacent Kasama Inari Shrine may handle it.)
Many visitors who tour the three Kasama Inari shrines collect all three Goshuin. Collecting the Goshuin from Shiroyama Inari Shrine, Kasama Inari Shrine, and Yori Inari Shrine will make your Kasama pilgrimage a more fulfilling memento.
Goshuincho (Shrine Seal Book)
Regarding Goshuincho, Kasama Inari Shrine may offer a common Goshuincho for all Kasama shrines. Please inquire at the shrine for details.
What are the Three Kasama Inari Shrines?
Shiroyama Inari Shrine is counted as one of the “Three Kasama Inari Shrines.” The Three Kasama Inari Shrines is a collective term for the three Inari shrines located within Kasama City.
Composition of the Three Inari Shrines of Kasama
- Kasama Inari Shrine: Considered one of Japan’s three major Inari shrines, it is a representative shrine of Ibaraki Prefecture, attracting over 3 million visitors annually.
- Shiroyama Inari Shrine: This shrine is known for its blessings of career advancement and good fortune.
- Yori Inari Shrine: Another Inari shrine located within Kasama City.
The “Kasama Three Inari Pilgrimage,” which visits these three shrines, is a popular route among visitors to Kasama. Each shrine has a different atmosphere and blessings, so if you have the time, we highly recommend visiting all three.
Access and Transportation Information
Basic Information
Location:
6-1 Kasama, Kasama City, Ibaraki Prefecture 309-1611
Inquiries:
Since it is adjacent to Kasama Inari Shrine, please contact Kasama Inari Shrine (TEL: 0296-73-0001) for details.
Access by Train
Nearest Station:
- Get off at Kasama Station on the JR Mito Line
- Approximately 25 minutes on foot from Kasama Station, or approximately 7 minutes by bus
From Tokyo:
- Approximately 70 minutes by the Joban Line Limited Express from Ueno Station, get off at Tomobe Station
- Transfer to the JR Mito Line at Tomobe Station, approximately 5 minutes to Kasama Station
Access by Bus
Nearest Bus Stop:
- Take the “Kasama Sightseeing Loop Bus” or “Kasama City Bus” from Kasama Station
- Get off at the “Inari Shrine” bus stop, short walk
- Travel time: Approximately 7 minutes
- Fare: Approximately 100-200 yen
During the tourist season, the number of loop bus services may increase, so we recommend checking the latest timetable on the Kasama City Tourism Association website or at Kasama Station.
Access by Car
Using Expressways:
- Approximately 15 minutes from the Tomobe IC on the Kita-Kanto Expressway
- Approximately 20 minutes from the Iwama IC on the Joban Expressway
Parking:
You can use the parking lot at Kasama Inari Shrine.
- Free parking available (approximately 300 cars)
- During the New Year’s period and festivals, congestion is expected, so using public transportation is recommended.
Checking Routes with Google Maps
Nowadays, you can easily find the best route from your current location to Shiroyama Inari Shrine using a smartphone map app. Searching for “Shiroyama Inari Shrine Kasama City” will display the latest route guidance along with real-time traffic information.
Manners and Precautions for Visiting
Etiquette for Visiting
When visiting Shiroyama Inari Shrine, follow the general etiquette for visiting shrines.
- Bow before passing through the torii gate.
- Purify your hands and mouth at the water basin.
- Bow twice, clap twice, and bow once in front of the main hall.
- Quietly stroll around the shrine grounds.
Attire for Visiting
There are no specific dress code requirements, but it is desirable to wear clothing that reflects the sacred nature of the place. Especially when formally visiting or receiving prayers, please avoid overly casual attire.
Photography
Photography is generally permitted on the shrine grounds, but consideration for the interior of the main hall and other visitors is necessary. Also, when photographing the main hall, which is a cultural property, please refrain from using flash.
Nearby Tourist Attractions
Kasama Inari Shrine
Located right next to Shiroyama Inari Shrine, it is one of Japan’s three major Inari shrines. With a history of over 1350 years, the main hall, a nationally designated important cultural property built in 1861, is a must-see. Known for its blessings of business prosperity, it attracts over 3 million visitors annually.
Kasama Castle Ruins (Sabashiyama Mountain)
The ruins of a mountain castle built on Sabashiyama Mountain, overlooking the city of Kasama. This historical site, which gave its name to Shiroyama Inari Shrine, is also a popular hiking destination.
Kasama Art Forest Park
A cultural facility in Kasama City, known as a town of pottery. It includes the Ibaraki Prefectural Ceramic Art Museum and Kasama Craft Hill, where visitors can appreciate Kasama ware and experience pottery making.
Kasama Nichido Museum of Art
A museum housing works by renowned domestic and international painters. Its palette painting collection, in particular, is known as a globally rare exhibition.
Annual Events and Festivals
Shiroyama Inari Shrine holds various festivals and events throughout the year. For detailed schedules, please contact Kasama Inari Shrine, as these often coincide with events at the neighboring Kasama Inari Shrine.
Main Annual Events
- Hatsumode (January 1st-3rd): Bustling with New Year’s worshippers.
- Hatsuumasai (First Horse Day of February): An important festival of the Inari Shrine.
- Reitaisai (Autumn): The shrine’s most important festival.
Special goshuin (shrine stamps) may be given out during festivals, so those collecting goshuin are advised to check in advance.
Recommended Shrines in Ibaraki Prefecture
When visiting Shiroyama Inari Shrine, why not also visit other attractive shrines in Ibaraki Prefecture?
Kashima Jingu (Kashima City)
Known as the Ichinomiya (first-ranked shrine) of Hitachi Province, it is one of the oldest shrines in the Kanto region. It enshrines Takemikazuchi-no-Okami and is famous for its blessings in martial arts and victory. The vast grounds offer many sights to see, including a 1300-year-old sacred tree, the inner shrine, and the Kanameishi (foundation stone).
Oarai Isomae Shrine (Oarai Town)
A shrine with a spectacular view overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The “Kamiiso Torii” gate, standing on a rocky outcrop along the coast, is a representative scenic spot in Ibaraki Prefecture, attracting many photography enthusiasts and tourists. It enshrines Ōkuninushi-no-Mikoto and Sukunahikona-no-Mikoto, and is believed to bring blessings for matchmaking and good fortune.
How to Enjoy Visiting Shiroyama Inari Shrine
Recommended Visiting Plan
Half-Day Course:
- Arrive at Kasama Station (10:00 AM)
- Take a bus or walk to Kasama Inari Shrine
- Visit Kasama Inari Shrine (10:30 AM – 11:30 AM)
- Visit Shiroyama Inari Shrine (11:30 AM – 12:00 PM)
- Lunch and souvenir shopping in the temple town (12:00 PM – 1:30 PM)
- Return to Kasama Station
Full-Day Course:
In addition to the above, you can fully enjoy the charm of Kasama by combining it with activities such as hiking to the Kasama Castle ruins, pottery making at Kasama Art Forest Park, and visiting the Kasama Nichido Museum of Art.
Food and Souvenirs
In the temple town of Kasama Inari Shrine, you’ll find many restaurants serving local specialties such as Inari sushi, Kasama soba noodles, and sweets made with Kasama chestnuts. Enjoying a meal after visiting the shrine is also one of the pleasures of sightseeing in Kasama.
Recommended souvenirs include Kasama ware pottery, sweets made with Kasama chestnuts, and auspicious items unique to Inari shrines.
Summary of the Charms of Shiroyama Inari Shrine
Shiroyama Inari Shrine is a special shrine where you can pray for success and good fortune in a tranquil setting, in stark contrast to the bustling atmosphere of Kasama Inari Shrine. The exquisite carvings on the main hall, dating from the mid-Edo period, are protected as a city cultural property and are highly valued for their artistic merit.
As one of the three Inari shrines of Kasama, it is an important shrine that conveys the history and culture of Kasama to the present day, and a power spot worth visiting for career advancement or at life’s milestones. When visiting Kasama Inari Shrine, be sure to also visit Shiroyama Inari Shrine and calm your mind in its peaceful grounds to pray for success and good fortune.
In Kasama City, Ibaraki Prefecture, a town of pottery and history, Shiroyama Inari Shrine is a shrine that will support you in taking a new step in your life.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Are Shiroyama Inari Shrine and Kasama Inari Shrine the same shrine?
A1: No, they are separate shrines. Shiroyama Inari Shrine is adjacent to Kasama Inari Shrine, but operates as an independent shrine. Both are historical shrines counted among the “Three Inari Shrines of Kasama,” and you can visit each separately. Shiroyama Inari Shrine is particularly known for its blessings of career advancement and good fortune.
Q2: Can I get a Goshuin (shrine stamp)?
A2: Yes, you can get a Goshuin at Shiroyama Inari Shrine. They are given out at the shrine office, but if the office is closed, you may be able to get one at the adjacent Kasama Inari Shrine. An electronic Goshuin service is also available, allowing for digital records.
Q3: Is there parking available?
A3: You can use the parking lot at Kasama Inari Shrine. There are approximately 300 free parking spaces available. However, congestion is expected during the New Year’s visit period and festivals, so we recommend using public transportation during those times. It’s accessible by bus from Kasama Station in about 7 minutes, or on foot in about 25 minutes.
Q4: How long does it take to visit the shrine?
A4: If you are only visiting Shiroyama Inari Shrine, 15-30 minutes should be sufficient. However, many people also visit the adjacent Kasama Inari Shrine, in which case you should allow 1-2 hours. Furthermore, if you plan to visit all three Kasama Inari shrines, or include meals and souvenir shopping in the temple town, we recommend allocating about half a day.
Q5: Please tell me more about the “career advancement and good fortune” benefits of Shiroyama Inari Shrine.
A5: Shiroyama Inari Shrine is also known as “Shiroyama Shusse Inari Daimyojin” and is known for its benefits related to career advancement, career progression, and promotions. During the Edo period, it was revered by the lord of Kasama Castle and was deeply connected to the samurai class’s prayers for career advancement. Today, many people visit the shrine at important life milestones such as job hunting, career changes, promotion exams, and business success.
Q6: Is there an efficient way to visit the three Inari shrines of Kasama?
A6: Kasama Inari Shrine and Shiroyama Inari Shrine are adjacent, so you can visit both together. Yori Inari Shrine is in a different location, requiring travel by foot or car. If you have ample time, a recommended plan is to visit Kasama Inari Shrine and Shiroyama Inari Shrine in the morning, and Yori Inari Shrine in the afternoon. It’s helpful to obtain the latest map from the local tourist information center.
Q7: How crowded is it during the New Year’s period?
A7: Kasama Inari Shrine, being one of Japan’s three major Inari shrines, is extremely crowded during the New Year’s period, but Shiroyama Inari Shrine is relatively calm. However, from January 1st to 3rd, many visitors to Kasama Inari Shrine stop by, so it is busier than usual. If you want to visit at a leisurely pace, it is recommended to avoid the first three days of the year or visit in the early morning or evening.
Q8: Is the main hall of Shiroyama Inari Shrine a national cultural property?
A8: The main hall of Shiroyama Inari Shrine is a cultural property designated by Kasama City (not a national designation). It is a mid-Edo period building constructed in 1697 (Genroku 10), and is characterized by its elaborate carvings and decorative metal fittings, using zelkova and cypress wood. On the other hand, the main hall of the adjacent Kasama Inari Shrine is a nationally designated important cultural property. Comparing and appreciating the main halls of both shrines is an interesting experience.
