Kasama Inari Shrine, Shinto shrine in Ibaraki, Japan
Kasama Inari Shrine is a Shinto place of worship in Kasama city, Ibaraki Prefecture. The forested hillside grounds contain prayer halls with curved roofs, stone lanterns, and rows of red gates leading to elevated shrines.
The site was founded in the seventh century and received its present main hall in 1661. The compound has drawn followers from rural areas as well as Edo since medieval times.
The site ranks among the three major Inari shrines in the country and draws worshippers seeking blessings for commerce and trade. During February, purification rituals take place here, with visitors stepping through suspended hoops made of rice straw.
The entrance lies a short walk from the train station and can be reached on foot. The paths through the grounds climb uphill along winding steps.
Foxes live on the grounds and are considered messengers of the revered deity. Stone sculptures of these animals guard the steps and entrances throughout the compound.
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