Kasama Inari Jinja

It is said there are 30,000 Inari Jinja (shrines) in Japan and they have been worshiped as a god of the populace since a long time ago. Of the Inari Jinja, Kasama Inari Jinja, located in Kasama city, Ibaraki, is one of the famous three. The shrine has a 651-year history, and it enshrines “Ukanomitama no Mikoto” who is the God of Food, the foundation of human life, and has power for business and money. In front of the shrine, there is Nakamise, shopping street, so this is the prime spot to shop and eat.

(Source: 絶対泣かないっ！ウエディングプランナーの裏日記)

Gohon-den

Gohon-den, the main building, that was rebuilt in 1860 is designated as an important cultural property of Japan. When Gohon-den was rebuilt, sculptures of dragons, lions and the scenes from Chinese old stories were made by master craftsmen. You can come in touch with the delicate but powerful art from back in the days.

(Source: 風の吹くまま気の向くまま・ぶら散歩)

Wistaria blooms in May

Two wistaria trees in the area of the shrine have a 400-year history. In the beginning of May, deep purple flowers bloom and it is like they are trying to cover the sky. The wistaria on the front side of the shrine is designated as a natural monument of Ibaraki prefecture and is a highlight of this shrine.

(Source: 筑波山)

Chrysanthemum festival

It is said the chrysanthemum festival in Kasama Inari Jinja is the oldest Chrysanthemum festival in Japan. The festival started in 1908 for the purpose of curing and entertaining the devastated city and the people due to war. It is famous for the beautiful objet of castles and humans decorated by colorful chrysanthemum.