By ando 
Basic Information
Name: Kasama Inari Jinja (Kasama Inari Shrine)
Location: 1 Kasama, Kasama City, Ibaraki Prefecture
Main kami (deity) enshrined: Ukanomitama no kami
Founded: 651 AD (Hakuchi 2nd year)
Main divine blessings: Bountiful harvests, business prosperity, financial luck, protection from fire (hibuse)
Kasama Inari Jinja, located in Kasama City, Ibaraki Prefecture, is a renowned jinja counted as one of Japan’s Three Great Inari Jinja, alongside Fushimi Inari Taisha in Kyoto and Yutoku Inari Jinja in Saga (though there are various theories). Over 3.5 million worshippers visit annually, and it boasts the highest number of Hatsumode (first shrine visit of the New Year) visitors in Ibaraki Prefecture, making it known as one of the Kanto region’s foremost power spots.
A curious legend hidden in “Kurumigashita”
This jinja also has another name, “Kurumigashita Inari”. Its origin involves a mysterious episode concerning Inoue Masakata, the feudal lord of the Kasama domain during the Edo period.
One summer night, an elderly man with white hair appeared in Masakata’s dream, saying, “I am the Inari kami, but my shrine grounds are too small and I am troubled.” When Masakata awoke, it is said that a single walnut (kurumi) had fallen by his pillow. Masakata, finding this strange, had it investigated, and indeed, a small Inari miniature shrine was found beneath an old walnut tree. He then expanded the shrine buildings and enshrined the kami devoutly. This is believed to be the catalyst for the jinja’s current prosperity.
Another name: “Monzaburo Inari” and the fox’s favor
Kasama Inari is also called “Monzaburo Inari”. This is related to a legend about four fox brothers who lived in Urizura.
The story tells of the eldest brother protecting the rivers, the second brother the fields, and the third brother, “Monzaburo”, scattering to protect the mountains of Kasama, enriching various regions. Another legend recounts a bittersweet and heartwarming tale of “the fox’s favor”: A lord, troubled by the loss of his hawk during a falconry hunt, was approached by an old man who called himself “Monzaburo”. Three days later, the hawk was recovered, but beside it lay a deceased old fox.
The mystery of the elaborate carvings rumored to “move”
The “Gohonden” (Main Hall), designated a National Important Cultural Property, is a masterpiece of zelkova wood construction, rebuilt in the late Edo period. What is noteworthy here are the exquisite carvings done by master craftsmen like Goto Nuinosuke.
In particular, the “Three-headed, Eight-Direction Gazing Dragon” and “Peony Karashishi (Chinese Lions)” are so realistic that rumors spread that “the carvings come alive every night and go to drink water from a nearby pond.” Furthermore, the “Lanting Quyushu-zu” (Orchid Pavilion Gathering with Floating Wine Cups) carving on the back is an artwork that conveys the advanced techniques of that era, and its appearance, changing expressions depending on the viewing angle, truly exudes a mysterious power.
A pilgrimage site and subculture hub
Kasama Inari Jinja is also an important spot for anime and game fans. Among these are “The Idolmaster Million Live! Theater Days”, where scenes modeled after Kasama Inari Jinja appear in the game’s communiques (stories) and card illustrations, making it a sacred site for Producers (fans). For “Girls und Panzer”, although the setting is Oarai Town, fans often extend their trips to Kasama as another famous tourist spot within Ibaraki Prefecture, and “Garupan” (Girls und Panzer) related events and collaborations are sometimes held on the monzen-dori (shrine approach street). The jinja also hosts large-scale cosplay events like “Machi Cos in Kasama” on its grounds and monzen-dori, showing that this traditional jinja is very open to subcultures.
Post-visit enjoyment: “Kasama Inari Sushi”
A must-try on the monzen-dori is the local specialty, “Kasama Inari Sushi”. Unlike the common variety, it offers a rich array of variations, including those with walnuts (kurumi) related to the legend, and others filled with local soba noodles. Savoring this unique inari sushi while feeling a connection with the kami is one of the true pleasures of visiting Kasama.
Related Links and References
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6. 笠間稲荷神社 – Wikipedia
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