Kasama Inari Shrine: One of Japan's Three Great Inari Shrines

One of Japan's Three Great Inari Shrines

Kasama Inari Shrine, along with Fushimi Inari in Kyoto and Yutoku Inari in Saga among others, is counted as one of Japan's three great Inari shrines. A historic shrine said to have been founded in 651, it enshrines Ukanomitama no Kami and draws many worshippers from across the country as a deity of business prosperity, abundant harvests, and family safety. It is also affectionately known by the alternate name Kurumigashita Inari.

Magnificent Wisteria

The wisteria trees in the shrine grounds are designated a natural monument of Ibaraki Prefecture, producing spectacular purple blooms in spring, typically in early May. There are two trees, the double-flowered wisteria and the great wisteria, and the flower clusters cascading from the trellis are stunning. Widely known as a fine wisteria spot, it draws many visitors.

Combined with Kasama Pottery

The area around the shrine is lined with Kasama-yaki pottery shops, letting you enjoy worship and pottery browsing at once. Each year during Golden Week, the Himatsuri pottery market, one of the largest in the Kanto region, is held, with many tents lined up and great bustle. Strolling in search of a vessel all your own is one of the pleasures.

Best Season

Early May, when the wisteria blooms, and Golden Week, when the Himatsuri is held, are the most lively. In autumn, during the chrysanthemum festival from October to November, the precinct is adorned with colorful chrysanthemums.

Access and Basic Information

• Location: 1 Kasama, Kasama City, Ibaraki
• Public transport: about 20 minutes on foot from Kasama Station on the JR Mito Line, or about 5 minutes by bus or taxi. From the Tokyo direction, take the JR Joban Line, change at Tomobe Station, and take the Mito Line to Kasama Station
• By car: about 15 minutes from the Tomobe IC on the Kita-Kanto Expressway
• Parking: free lots for worshippers, the precinct lot and the Jizo-mae lot. In busy seasons such as the New Year visit and chrysanthemum festival they may become paid
• There are no set worship hours and the precinct can be visited at any time; reception hours for the amulet office and goshuin seals are separate

Practical Travel Notes

• Best seasons: early May when the wisteria blooms, Golden Week for the Himatsuri, and autumn for the chrysanthemum festival are the three great highlights
• Timing and avoiding crowds: during long weekends and festivals both the precinct and the surrounding roads get very crowded. For an unhurried visit, early morning or a weekday is recommended
• Time needed: about one to two hours for worship and a stroll of the approach; allow half a day or more to combine it with a tour of Kasama pottery kilns or the Himatsuri
• Nearby real spots: pottery kilns, the Ibaraki Ceramic Art Museum, and the Kasama Nichido Museum of Art are dotted within walking or driving range, offering art and craft
• Budget sense: worship is a casual stop. You can adjust your budget with street food along the approach, Kasama pottery purchases, amulets, and goshuin seals

A Quick Tip

The approach is lined with street-food such as inari-zushi and soba, which you can enjoy along with your visit. The wisteria peak and the Himatsuri period are especially crowded, so using public transport and arriving early make for a more comfortable trip.

📚 Sources

This article is based on guidance at the Kasama Inari Shrine offering hall and grounds, information published by Kasama City and the Kasama Tourism Association, and general history regarding the three great Inari shrines and the prefecturally designated natural monument wisteria. Parking charges, festival dates, and bus and taxi services may change. Before your visit, please confirm the latest details through official Kasama Inari Shrine information or on-site notices.

Visitor Checklist

• Approximate time: About 1 to 2 hours for worship and a stroll along the approach; half a day or more if combined with the pottery kilns or the Himatsuri
• What to bring: If you plan to snack along the approach or buy pottery, an eco bag and some cushioning for carrying wares are handy
• Suggested route: Worship at the main hall, admire the prefecturally designated wisteria trellis, try inari sushi or soba along the approach, then visit nearby Kasama-yaki kilns and galleries
• Seasonal tip: Early May wisteria, the Golden Week Himatsuri, and the autumn chrysanthemum festival are the three highlights; early mornings or weekdays are calmer during holidays
• Nearby spots: The Ibaraki Ceramic Art Museum and the Kasama Nichido Museum of Art lie within walking or driving distance