Aomori Prefecture, Tsugaru City, Aomori Prefecture, a superb power spot, "Takayama Inari Shrine," with its thousand torii gates with undulating dragons and a trip for good fortune!

  • Aomori
  • Experience Gifu
Senbon-torii (winter)
Many people may think of Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine in Kyoto when they hear the words "Senbon-torii" (a thousand torii gates). However, there is also a breathtakingly beautiful vermilion path on a hill overlooking the Sea of Japan in Tsugaru City, Aomori Prefecture, in the northernmost part of Honshu. That is Takayama Inari Shrine, known as the god of a good harvest, safety at sea, and prosperous business. In this article, we will introduce Takayama Inari Shrine, which is also a popular power spot.

Go to the "worship hall" surrounded by silence. Begin your journey by purifying your body and soul.

First, climb the 96 stone steps to the quiet worship hall. The steps are quite steep, so if you want to conserve your energy before visiting the shrine, we recommend the gentle Onnazaka route, even if it is a bit of a detour.

The deities of Takayama Inari Shrine are Ukanomitama-no-mikoto, Sadahiko-no-mikoto, and Omiyano-no-Mikoto. These three deities are collectively known as "Inari no Mikoto" and have long been worshipped as "gods of fortune" with vast and limitless divine virtues. Many people still visit the shrine to pray for prosperity in business, a good harvest, and safety in the home, among other benefits. Away from the hustle and bustle of the city, time spent here with one's hands in prayer is sure to bring tranquility to the depths of one's heart.
Takayama Inari Shrine

The "Ryujinmiya" where the power of the dragon god resides, and the "mizu-mikuji" experience to divine your destiny.

After descending the stone steps from the hall of worship and proceeding to the edge of the pond, you will see the Ryujinmiya Shrine. From mid-June to the end of July, the water lilies are at their best. The "mizu-mikuji" (water lottery), which is rare in Aomori Prefecture, is a must-try in front of the Ryujinmiya Shrine.

The "Divination Ceremony" held during the Spring Grand Festival is a special water divination ritual that welcomes the Dragon God and divines his divine will. We would like you to experience this mystical divination. The "mizu-mikuji" was born out of this desire. When the paper is dipped into the water, the moment the characters appear, it is like a message from the dragon god. The mysterious scene is so beautiful that you want to take a picture of it, and it has become a hot topic on social networking sites.
Water fortune

How to Fortune-Telling

(1) Pick up the special white paper omikuji.
(2) Gently dip it into the sacred water flowing from the dragon's mouth, and the hidden characters will emerge.
This mystical experience of knowing your fortune with the help of water will surely become a good memory of your trip! Why don't you divine your destiny with the pure flow of water?

The view is breathtaking! The path of "Senbon-torii," which looks like a dragon ascending to the sky

The most distinctive feature of the Takayama Inari Shrine is the "Senbon Torii" (one thousand torii). Countless vermilion-colored torii gates undulate as if they are weaving through a pond, leading to a higher ground. The sight of these torii gates, which look like dragons ascending to the heavens, overwhelms visitors. Incidentally, the curved shape of the torii gate is said to be due to the layout of the pond and plantings in the shrine garden.

The vermilion color of the torii stands out brilliantly in the seasonal scenery of cherry blossoms in spring, deep greenery in summer, autumn leaves in fall, and snow in winter, creating a spectacular view. Every time you pass through one of these gates, you will feel as if you are receiving power. It is said that there are "1,000 torii," but the exact number is a secret! Please visit the site and count the number with your own eyes.
Senbon-torii (spring)
The view from the viewing platform at the top of the torii is truly spectacular. The view from the viewing platform is truly spectacular, and you can feel the mystical power that can only be experienced at Takayama Inari Shrine.

Secrets of the foxes that live in peace

If you continue on past the Senbon-torii gate of Takayama Inari Shrine, you will see many foxes. In fact, they are foxes from all over Japan.

What kind of being is "O-Fox-sama"?

In fact, these foxes are not deities themselves, but "dependents" of the Inari God. They play an important role as a link between the deity and visitors, and are said to deliver wishes. Inari shrines are famous for the blessings of prosperous business and a good harvest, but it is the foxes that support these blessings! And "Inari-sama," as we often refer to him in familiar terms, is the deity enshrined at Takayama Inari Shrine, Uganomikoto no Mikoto no Mikoto.
Family members
Even though Inari-sama has been enshrined with great care for a long time, it is sometimes difficult to continue enshrining it due to changes in the times or family circumstances. At such times, the Takayama Inari Shrine, while respecting the spirit of reverence, carefully performs a Shinto ritual to quiet the spirit of the deity, and afterwards, a place is prepared for the family members (in this case, the foxes) who have served the deity up to now to spend their time in peace.

Please come and see the various faces of the foxes.

Combine your favorite train with lodging or a day trip plan for a great travel experience!

You can make your own original trip!

JR East View Dynamic Rail Package is a variable price individual travel product available only on the web. Depending on the timing and conditions of your application, you may be able to get a discount as early as the day of departure. We also offer one-day trip plans! Enjoy your own unique trip according to your schedule and purpose.
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