The Fushimi Inari Taisha of Kyoto is the head shrine dedicated to Inari, one of the most important kami in the Shinto religion, god of rice, fertility, agriculture, industry and success. The shrine was established in 711, and there’s a beautiful story regarding its establishment.
It is said that an old rich aristocrat was practicing archery, using as a target a mochi rice cake. Suddenly, the mochi transformed into a white bird, and flew away. After a while, the white bird landed on a rice field, and then the man realized that he witnessed a message from kami. On that place, he erected a shrine dedicated to Inari, kami of agriculture and prosperity.
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Yesterday’s Japan Photo:Inside the traditional Japanese house, Kakejiku hanging scroll |