Offerings of rice await the kami here at \u5c0f\u8302\u6839\u7a32\u8377\u795e\u793e. This is a sacred space dedicated to Inari. Inari shrines dot Japan. They are familiar and recognizable to the Japanese people.
Inari Okami is the deity of many things. The deity brings improvements to the performing arts. Inari is responsible for household wellbeing. Inari ensures business and general prosperity. Inari is also linked to rice, sake, tea, fertility, foxes, agriculture, and industry.
The name “Inari” comes from “Ine Nari” or “Ine ni naru”. This means “reaping of rice”. Rice is very important in the Japanese diet. Rice symbolizes the miracles of heaven and earth. Inari is a principal Shinto deity. Inari houses, feeds, and protects people. This allows them to live fulfilling lives.
Entering an Inari shrine means passing through vermilion torii. You will likely see images of foxes. Worshippers often adorn these foxes with red yodarekake. These are votive bibs. Red is strongly linked to Inari shrines and their torii.
Foxes or kitsune often guard Inari shrines. They are messengers of Inari. Many people think of them as the deity itself. Usually, the kitsune statues come in pairs. One is male and one is female. They sometimes hold symbolic items. Jewels or keys are common. Some hold sheaves of rice, scrolls, or fox cubs. Almost every Inari shrine has these statues. They usually stand on the altar or in front of the main sanctuary. The statues are stylized. They show seated animals looking forward. Their tails are in the air. Despite common features, each statue is unique.
Offerings at the shrine please the kitsune messengers. People expect the kitsune to plead with Inari on their behalf. Inari-zushi is a popular offering. This is a sushi roll of rice-packed fried tofu. Foxes are believed to love fried tofu. The roll’s pointed corners look like fox ears. Priests don’t usually offer food to the deity. Shops near Inari shrines sell fried tofu. Devotees buy it to use as an offering. Worshippers sometimes offer fox statues to Inari shrines. At one time, some temples had live foxes. People venerated them but this is not current practice.
There are many Inari shrines across Japan. \u5c0f\u8302\u6839\u7a32\u8377\u795e\u793e is one such place. Remember Inari’s blessings as you continue your journey. May prosperity and wellbeing follow you.