稻佐神社, Shinto shrine in Japan
Inasa Shrine is a Shinto sanctuary in Shiroishi with distinctive East Asian hip-and-gable roof design and curved rooflines. The grounds are framed by two trees over 600 years old designated as natural monuments, and feature an ancient stone torii gate dating from the late 1500s.
The shrine was founded centuries ago and played a key role in local religious life through important historical periods. During the Heian period, it gained prominence and received official recognition from the imperial court, reflecting its growing significance in both spiritual and political affairs.
The shrine is woven into the community's seasonal life, most visibly through the October Yabusame festival where archers on horseback shoot at targets. Locals pass down these traditions and rituals, making the place a living part of how the town marks the passage of time.
The shrine is easily accessible by car or train, with free parking for about 50 vehicles available on site. Wear sturdy shoes for walking the stone-lined paths, and allow time to wander without rushing so you can enjoy the quiet surroundings.
A renowned monk named Kukai is said to have visited the shrine and helped establish a nearby temple, a connection still visible today in local structures and customs. This spiritual link reaches back to a deeper layer of Japanese religious history.
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