Saijo Inari

In Takamatsu-Inari, Kita Ward, Okayama City, Saijo Inari is a sacred site counted among the Three Great Inari of Japan alongside Fushimi Inari in Kyoto and Toyokawa Inari in Aichi. Its formal name is Saijo Inarisan Myokyoji, a temple of the Nichiren school of Buddhism said to have been founded in the year 752. It strongly preserves the old fusion of Shinto and Buddhism, and its principal image is Saijoi Kyoo Daibosatsu riding a white fox. It is believed to grant wide ranging blessings such as business prosperity, household safety, and good matches, and at the New Year it draws around six hundred thousand worshippers, the most in the prefecture.

Highlights

The great torii gate, twenty seven point five meters tall, was erected in 1972 and ranks among the largest in the nation, catching the eye even from afar. Passing through the Nio gate and climbing the stone steps, you reach the vermilion main hall. A distinctive space unfolds here born of the fusion of Shinto and Buddhism, and the calm former main hall is also worth seeing. Behind the main hall stand rows of small subordinate shrines, and the cluster of shrines beyond, associated with good relationships, is also cherished by visitors.

Enjoying the Seasons

New Year visits in January draw some of the largest crowds in the prefecture, showing a lively bustle. The Hatsuuma grand festival in February is also an important event in Inari faith. In spring the contrast of cherry blossoms and the vermilion halls is beautiful, and worship combined with blossom viewing is popular. In summer the greenery of the groves is deep, well suited to seeking cool during worship. In autumn the foliage around the grounds colors and you can worship slowly in a calm atmosphere.

Access and Basic Information

• Location: Takamatsu-Inari, Kita Ward, Okayama City, Okayama
• By train: about three kilometers from Bicchu-Takamatsu Station on the JR Kibi Line (Momotaro Line). A taxi from the station is convenient.
• By car: accessible from the Okayama and Soja direction, with several parking lots (some may charge a fee).
• You climb stone steps from the approach entrance to the main hall.
• Nearby are Kibitsu Shrine, Bicchu Kokubunji and other famous spots along the Kibiji route.

Practical Travel Notes

• The approach is lined with shops selling local specialties such as yuzu rice crackers and sweets, offering a pleasant stop coming and going.
• Roads in the area become very congested during the New Year visiting season. Considering public transport, or walking from a slightly distant point, is reassuring.
• Since there are stone steps up to the main hall, comfortable shoes are recommended for worship.
• Kibitsu Shrine, Bicchu Kokubunji, and the Tsukuriyama burial mound and other Kibiji historic sites are close, making for a full day by rental bicycle or car.

A Quick Tip

Take your time to savor the distinctive scenery where torii gates and Buddhist architecture coexist, unique to a temple of blended Shinto and Buddhism. As the New Year season is especially crowded, visit with time to spare. At the amulet office, charms connected to Inari faith are popular.

📚 Sources

This article draws on information published by Saijo Inari (Saijo Inarisan Myokyoji), tourism guidance from Okayama City and the Takamatsu area of Kita Ward, and information from JR West, which operates the JR Kibi Line (Momotaro Line). References to its standing among Japan three great Inari shrines, the great torii, and the seventy-seven subordinate shrines follow the temple history and on-site interpretive panels. Traffic controls and parking conditions during the New Year period and the reception hours of the amulet office may change by season, so please confirm details on the official Saijo Inari sources before visiting.

Visitor Checklist

• Estimated time: Allow around one hour to worship unhurriedly from the great torii to the main hall and the seventy-seven subordinate shrines.
• What to bring: Wear comfortable shoes, as you climb stone steps from the approach entrance to the main hall.
• Getting around: Shops selling local yuzu crackers and sweets line the approach, a pleasant stop on the way to and from worship.
• Access note: Nearby roads are very congested during the New Year season, so consider public transport or walking in from a little farther away.
• Combine with: Kibi Road sites such as Kibitsu Shrine, Bitchu Kokubunji, and the Tsukuriyama Kofun are close by and make for a full day by rental bicycle or car.