Inari Shrine (Kagayachi, Towada Nishikigi, Kazuno City, Akita Prefecture) Complete Guide
The Inari Shrine, located in Magayachi, Towada Nishikigi, Kazuno City, Akita Prefecture, is a shrine that has been cherished by local residents for centuries. This article provides detailed information useful for visiting the shrine, including its history, enshrined deities, blessings, highlights of the grounds, and access methods.
Basic Information on the Inari Shrine
Location and Overview
Location: Magayachi, Towada Nishikigi, Kazuno City, Akita Prefecture
Kazuno City is located in the northeastern part of Akita Prefecture, close to the border with Aomori Prefecture. The Towada Nishikigi area is blessed with a rich natural environment, and this Inari Shrine stands quietly amidst it. The place name Magayachi is an old place name deeply rooted in the region, describing the characteristics of the topography.
Deity Enshrined
The deity enshrined at Inari shrines is Ukanomitama-no-kami. Ukanomitama-no-kami is a god of grains and food appearing in Japanese mythology, and is widely worshipped at Inari shrines throughout Japan. “Uka” means grain, especially rice, and the deity is revered as a god of abundant harvests and business prosperity.
At Inari shrines, foxes are considered divine messengers, and many shrines have fox statues on their grounds. Because foxes prey on mice that damage crops, they have historically been considered important guardians of agriculture.
Benefits of Inari Shrines
Abundant Harvests and Agricultural Prosperity
The most fundamental benefit of Inari shrines is abundant harvests. Because Ukanomitama-no-kami is the god of grains, it has been an important object of worship for people involved in agriculture. Akita Prefecture, including Kazuno City, is known as a major rice-producing region, and Inari shrines play an important role as places to pray for the development of local agriculture.
Business Prosperity and Success
Since the Edo period, Inari worship has spread among merchants as a god of business prosperity. As the god who presides over “food” (one of the necessities of life), Inari is believed to protect the foundation of life and bring prosperity to businesses. Even today, worshippers visit to pray for business success and stability.
Family Safety and Stability
As the god who presides over food, Inari is believed to protect the family’s meals and bring stability to life. It is suitable for those praying for peace in daily life and the health of their family.
Industrial Development and Regional Prosperity
The shrine also functions as a place to pray for the development of all local industries, and is a place of worship for the prosperity of the entire regional economy, not just agriculture.
History and Origins of Inari Shrines
Origins of Inari Faith
Inari faith spread throughout Japan, with Fushimi Inari Taisha in Kyoto as its head shrine. Fushimi Inari Taisha is said to have been founded in 711 (Wado 4) during the Nara period, and has a history of over 1300 years.
The establishment of Inari shrines throughout Japan, primarily through the enshrinement of divided spirits, began mainly after the Heian period. In particular, in areas where agriculture was thriving, Inari shrines were built in each region to pray for abundant harvests.
Historical Background of the Kazuno Region
The Kazuno region, including Kazuno City, is a historical area with many medieval manor sites known as the “Kazuno Forty-Two Manors.” It was also under the rule of the Nanbu clan, and a unique regional culture developed.
The Towada Nishikigi area is close to Lake Towada and has long been a center of agriculture and forestry. It is believed that the Inari Shrine in this region was established as a faith closely intertwined with the lives of the local residents, to pray for agricultural success and the peace and prosperity of the community.
As a Guardian Deity of the Community
The Inari Shrine in Magariyachi has been carefully preserved by the local residents as the guardian deity of the settlement. It is presumed that, as the village’s tutelary shrine, festivals were held at key agricultural milestones, such as prayers for a bountiful harvest in spring and thanksgiving for the harvest in autumn.
Even today, it is maintained and managed by local parishioners and devotees, serving as a spiritual anchor for the local community.
Highlights of the Shrine Grounds
Shrine Buildings and Architectural Style
Many of the local Inari Shrines have simple yet carefully maintained shrine buildings. Shrine architecture in Akita Prefecture often features structures unique to heavy snowfall areas, incorporating features to withstand the weight of snow.
While Inari Shrine buildings are generally painted primarily in vermilion (red), smaller local Inari Shrines can also be seen with a more subdued appearance, utilizing the natural beauty of wood. ### Fox Statues (Divine Messengers)
A distinctive feature of Inari shrines is the presence of fox statues. Many Inari shrines place a pair of fox statues in front of the main shrine building or along the approach to the shrine. The foxes hold objects such as keys, jewels, or rice stalks in their mouths, each with its own meaning.
- Key: Represents the key to a rice storehouse, symbolizing the storage of food and abundance.
- Jewel (Jewel): Symbolizes the spiritual power to grant wishes.
- Rice Stalk: Directly represents a bountiful harvest.
- Scroll: Symbolizes wisdom and learning.
Torii Gates and Approach to the Shrine
The torii gates of Inari shrines are often vermilion, indicating the entrance to the sacred area. Large Inari shrines are famous for their “thousand torii gates,” where multiple gates are lined up, but even small local Inari shrines welcome visitors with one or a few torii gates.
On the approach to the shrine, it is considered respectful to avoid walking in the center, as it is the path for the gods.
Natural Environment
The area around Magariyachi is rich in nature, allowing visitors to enjoy the scenery of each season. It displays different expressions in each season: fresh greenery in spring, deep green in summer, autumn leaves in fall, and snowscapes in winter.
Akita Prefecture, in particular, experiences heavy snowfall in winter, and the tranquil atmosphere of the snow-covered shrine is exceptional.
Etiquette and Manners for Visiting a Shrine
Basic Etiquette for Visiting a Shrine
The basic etiquette for visiting a shrine is as follows:
- Bow before passing through the torii gate: As a sign of respect before entering the sacred area, bow before the torii gate.
- Walk along the edge of the path: The center of the path is considered the path of the gods, so walk along the edge.
- Purify yourself at the water basin: If there is a water basin, purify your hands and mouth.
- Hold the ladle in your right hand and purify your left hand.
- Switch to your left hand and purify your right hand.
- Switch back to your right hand, receive water in your left hand, and rinse your mouth.
- Finally, hold the ladle upright and purify the handle.
- Worship in front of the main hall: The basic method is “two bows, two claps, one bow.”
- Bow deeply twice.
- Clap your hands twice at chest height.
- Pray with all your heart.
- Finally, bow deeply once.
About offerings
Offerings are a way of expressing gratitude to the gods. There are no rules regarding the amount, but please place it carefully in the offering box. It is considered preferable to gently place offerings rather than throwing them in.
Appropriate Attire for Visiting the Shrine
While special formal attire is not required, clean clothing appropriate for entering a sacred area is desirable. Avoid revealing or overly flashy clothing.
For winter visits, please take thorough precautions against the cold. Winters in Akita Prefecture are extremely cold with heavy snowfall, so warm clothing and non-slip shoes are essential.
Access Information
Location Details
Address: Magariyachi, Towada Nishikigi, Kazuno City, Akita Prefecture
Access by Car
Access to Kazuno City is most convenient by car.
Main Routes:
- Tohoku Expressway: From Kazuno-Hachimantai IC, take National Route 282, Prefectural Route 2, etc.
- From Aomori: Use National Route 103
- From Morioka: Head north on National Route 282
The Towada Nishikigi area is located northwest of the center of Kazuno City. Please enter the address into your car navigation system or refer to a local map.
Parking: As this is a small local shrine, there may not be a large, dedicated parking lot. When visiting, please be considerate of the neighbors when parking.
Access by Public Transportation
Nearest Station: JR Hanawa Line “Kazuno-Hanawa Station” or “Towada-Minami Station”
Since it is a distance from the station, taking a taxi or renting a car is practical. Access by public transportation alone may be difficult.
Bus: Akita Kita Bus operates within Kazuno City, but direct routes to the Magariyachi area may be limited. We recommend checking the Akita Kita Bus route map and timetable in advance.
Notes for Visitors
- Winter Visits: From November to March, there is snowfall, and road conditions become severe. Winter tires (studded tires) are essential.
- Opening Hours: While shrines are generally open 24 hours for worship, the hours for the shrine office are limited.
- Goshuin (Shrine Seal): Smaller shrines may not have a resident priest, and may not be able to provide Goshuin.
- Mobile Phone Signal: Signals may be weak in mountainous areas, so we recommend checking a map in advance.
Nearby Tourist Attractions
Lake Towada
Lake Towada, relatively close to Kazuno City, is a beautiful caldera lake straddling Aomori and Akita prefectures. It is one of Tohoku’s leading tourist destinations, offering beautiful scenery throughout the seasons.
Highlights:
- Lake Towada Sightseeing Boat
- Statue of the Maiden
- Famous for autumn foliage (best time to see in mid-to-late October)
Oyu Stone Circle
A national special historic site located in Kazuno City, dating back to the late Jomon period. It was registered as a World Cultural Heritage site in 2021 as part of the “Jomon Archaeological Sites of Hokkaido and Northern Tohoku.”
Features:
- A ritual site dating back approximately 4000 years
- Two large-scale stone circles: the Nonakado Stone Circle and the Manza Stone Circle
- A valuable site where you can learn about the spiritual culture of the Jomon period
Kazuno City Ancestors Commemoration Hall
A facility where you can learn about great figures from Kazuno City and the history of the region. Recommended for those interested in local culture and history.
Goshogake Onsen/Mushinoyu Onsen
From Kazuno City towards Hachimantai, there are many hot springs known as hidden gems. Relaxing in a hot spring after visiting the temple is a good idea. ### Hanawa Bayashi Festival
Held annually on August 19th and 20th in Hanawa, Kazuno City, this traditional festival is considered one of Japan’s three greatest festival music traditions. It is characterized by its magnificent floats and the accompanying flute and drum music.
History and Culture of Kazuno City
Origin of the Name Kazuno
There are several theories regarding the origin of the name “Kazuno,” but one theory suggests it was named because of the large number of deer that inhabited the area. Another theory suggests it was named because the terrain resembles deer antlers.
Connection with the Nanbu Clan
From the medieval to the early modern period, the Kazuno region was under the control of the Nanbu clan. The Nanbu clan was a powerful daimyo family that held influence primarily in what is now Iwate Prefecture, and the Kazuno region was located at its northernmost point.
The site of 42 medieval mansions, known as the Kazuno Forty-Two Mansions, is scattered throughout the area, preserving the history of that time.
Industry and Local Products
Agriculture: Rice cultivation is the main industry, and fruit cultivation such as apples and blueberries is also thriving.
Mining: Mining, including the Osarizawa Mine, was once a major industry. The Osarizawa Mine closed in 1978, but is now open to the public as a historical site.
Local Products:
- Kazuno Apples
- Kazuno Beef
- Northernmost Peaches
- Kiritanpo (A specialty of Akita Prefecture, but also available in Kazuno)
Annual Events at Inari Shrine
Hatsumode (January 1st-3rd)
Hatsumode is a visit to the shrine to pray for safety and prosperity throughout the new year. It also serves as a gathering place for local people to exchange New Year’s greetings.
Hatsuumasai (First Horse Day of February)
Hatsuumasai is one of the most important festivals at Inari Shrine. Hatsuuma (the first day of the Horse in February) is considered the founding day of Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine. It is believed that visiting an Inari shrine on this day brings special blessings.
Spring Festival (Varies by Region)
This festival is held at the start of spring farming work, and prayers are offered for a bountiful harvest.
Autumn Festival (Varies by Region)
This festival is held in the autumn harvest season, and prayers are offered for a good harvest.
Note: In smaller local shrines, these festivals may be simplified or adapted to local circumstances. For specific festival dates, it is recommended to inquire with local information sources or the Kazuno City Tourism Association.
Modern Significance of Inari Worship
Center of the Community
In modern society, local shrines transcend being mere religious institutions and play a role as the spiritual center of the local community. Through festivals and cleaning activities, they serve as a place for community interaction.
Preserving Traditional Culture
Shrine rituals and worship practices are important opportunities to pass on Japan’s traditional culture to future generations. Children participating in festivals naturally learn about local history and culture.
A Place of Peace of Mind
In today’s busy life, shrines are important places for finding peace of mind. By praying in the quiet grounds, one can escape the hustle and bustle of daily life and have time to compose oneself.
Role in Environmental Preservation
Shrine grounds also play a role in environmental preservation as valuable green spaces for the community. Shrine groves (shasō: forests surrounding the shrine) are important for maintaining the local ecosystem.
Useful Information for Visiting Shrines
Inari Shrines and “O-Inari-san”
Inari shrines are commonly called “O-Inari-san,” a term of endearment. There are approximately 30,000 such shrines nationwide, making them the most numerous type of shrine in Japan.
The Relationship Between Foxes and Gods
Regarding the fox statues often seen at Inari shrines, there is a common misconception that “foxes are gods.” However, accurately speaking, foxes are divine messengers (messengers of the gods). The god itself is Ukanomitama-no-kami, and the fox is considered to be a being that conveys that will.
The Relationship with Fried Tofu
The reason why Inari sushi is called “Inari sushi” is due to the popular belief that foxes, the divine messengers of Inari shrines, are fond of fried tofu. In reality, the custom of offering fried tofu became widespread, and sushi made with fried tofu came to be called “Inari sushi.”
How to Handle Fortune Slips (Omikuji)
After drawing a fortune slip, if you receive a bad result, you can tie it to a designated place on the shrine grounds. If you receive a good result, you can take it home, read it repeatedly, and use it as a lesson.
Summary
The Inari Shrine, located in Magariya-chi, Towada Nishikigi, Kazuno City, Akita Prefecture, has been a place of worship deeply rooted in the community and has been cherished by local residents throughout its long history. Many people still visit this shrine seeking blessings for a bountiful harvest, business prosperity, and family safety.
Kazuno City is a region rich in nature and historical sites. Combining a visit to Inari Shrine with a visit to nearby tourist spots such as Lake Towada and the Oyu Stone Circles will make for a more fulfilling trip.
When visiting, please observe basic etiquette and be mindful of the sacred nature of the site. Especially during winter visits, adequate cold weather gear and preparation for snowy paths are essential.
Small local shrines possess a quiet charm that differs from large tourist shrines. The time spent quietly praying while immersing yourself in the local history and culture will be a valuable experience unlike anything you find in everyday life.
We hope your visit to Inari Shrine (Towada Nishikigi, Kazuno City, Akita Prefecture) will be fruitful.
