Arakawa-jinja, Shinto shrine in Japan

Arakawa-jinja is a Shinto shrine in Himeji built on a small hill, with stone retaining walls that resemble castle ramparts. Its grounds also contain a Buddhist temple, an unusual arrangement for a shrine. The shrine was moved to this location about 300 years ago after repeated flood damage at its former riverside site.

The shrine stood by the old main course of the Yumesaki River, where flooding was frequent, and its buildings were washed away several times; about 300 years ago it was rebuilt on its present site on a small hill. In September 2004 the cycle of rites from the Ta-yasumi festival to the autumn festival was designated an important intangible folk cultural property of the city as the Arakawa-jinja reisai furyū.

The autumn festival, held around 17 October, is nicknamed Koin Imo Matsuri (small-potato festival): from the worship hall the floats circling the horse ground look like small potatoes being washed in a mortar. Since 2004 the cycle of rites from the 17 July Tanoyasumi festival to the autumn rites has been a city-designated intangible folk cultural property, Arakawa-jinja Reisai Furyu.

The shrine stands on a small hill reached by stone steps, so allow time for the climb. From JR Himeji Station or Sanyo Himeji Station take the city bus bound for Kengyo-mae and get off at Inokuchi; the shrine is three minutes west on foot. The precinct also contains a temple, an unusual arrangement worth noting when orienting yourself.

Arakawa-jinja is unusual for having a Buddhist temple within its grounds, a rare arrangement for a Shinto shrine. The shrine also stands on a small hill supported by stone walls built like castle ramparts, a detail visible from the approach.