Ōagata Shrine

Ōagata Shrine is a Shintō sanctuary in Inuyama listed as an Important Cultural Property of Japan, consisting of several wooden structures with carved decorations. A path leads through multiple red gates to the main prayer area, surrounded by groomed trees and a small pond.

An empress from the 3rd century chose this spot to build a sanctuary, which later expanded and was reconstructed after a fire in the 15th century. The current buildings mostly date from the Edo period and received cultural property status in the 20th century.

The name refers to a deity tied to land fertility, which explains why local farmers still bring offerings here throughout the growing season. The main hall shows a construction method common in rural shrines, where wooden beams fit together without nails.

Buses from Inuyama Station stop nearby, from where it takes a short walk through a residential area to reach the entrance. The path from the gate to the main building follows a gently rising trail with stone steps.

A smaller secondary shrine stands in the rear area that many visitors overlook, even though it honors a different protective deity. Several old cedar trees grow on the grounds, estimated to be several centuries in age.