[Aomori Prefecture] The spectacle of "Senbon Torii" - the endless vermilion torii gates

When you think of Inari shrines, the most striking thing is the red torii gates, but the highlight is the vermilion thousand torii gates at Takayama Inari Shrine in Aomori Prefecture, at the northern tip of Honshu. In snowy Aomori Prefecture, the sight of the endless vermilion torii gates stretching out in a garden buried in white snow creates a mystical atmosphere that seems like another world

It's a view that seems to invite you somewhere, and it's definitely worth a visit. You'll feel a mysterious power in it, so I'd like to introduce it to you

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What is Takayama Inari Shrine in Aomori Prefecture?

Takayama Inari Shrine in Tsugaru City, Aomori Prefecture, is an Inari shrine that was founded between the Kamakura and Muromachi periods, although the exact date is unknown. It is said that the Inari shrine flourished as Inari worship became popular during the Edo period

The shrine enshrines Utanomitama-no-Mikoto, the god of agriculture who protects food, clothing, shelter, and prosperity in business, Satahiko-no-Mikoto, the god of opening roads, and Omiyame-no-Mikoto, the god of domestic harmony and entertainment

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Takayama Inari Shrine is a shrine dedicated to the guardian deity of the sea, located on a hill near the Sea of ​​Japan

Takayama Inari Shrine is located on a hill close to the Sea of ​​Japan. It is an ancient and prestigious Inari shrine that has been loved in the Tsugaru region of Aomori Prefecture as the guardian deity of the sea

When you arrive at Takayama Inari Shrine, you will first be greeted by a large torii gate, and then the spacious grounds continue on. Passing the Sanshuden (assembly hall), you can go to the next torii gate, climb the stairs and pass through several other torii gates

And don't miss the various small Inari shrines scattered along the way

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The mysterious, winding, undulating torii gates resemble a dragon climbing

If you continue to the left, you will come to the worship hall and Sanno Shrine, and if you continue climbing further, you will come to Ryujingu Shrine, surrounded by a pond. Dragons have long been revered as gods of water, and Ryujingu Shrine is built surrounded by a pond. Dragons are also worshipped as gods of agriculture

Finally, from Ryujingu Shrine, a thousand torii gates wind around the pond. The vivid vermilion torii gates that continue from Ryujingu Shrine are mysteriously reminiscent of dragons climbing up. The winding, undulating shape of the gates, which rise slightly higher, is what gives them this impression

The reason it looks like a dragon is climbing is because the terrain is on high ground, but it is a powerful sight

There are actually around 200 torii gates, which continue up and down the beautiful garden along the pond, and worshippers pass through them as they climb up

Finally, at the top of the climb, you will come across Shinmei Shrine, and the view from there is also mysterious, resembling a dragon

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At the top of the torii gate, you will be greeted by a row of foxes at Shinmei Shrine

At the Shinmei Shrine at the top of the mountain, you will be impressed by the many fox gods enshrined in a row. There are many fox gods, each with a different expression

The fox is a beloved deity who is said to eat the mice that cause damage by eating rice crops in early spring. The fox is enshrined and memorialized, so it is a good idea to pay a visit

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Takayama Inari Shrine is an Inari shrine where you can enjoy the colors of the four seasons

We have introduced the Senbon Torii gates of Takayama Inari Shrine in Aomori Prefecture. You can enjoy the colorful scenery of the shrine's Senbon Torii gates with cherry blossoms in spring, hydrangeas in early summer, the colors of the trees in autumn, and snow in winter

The Senbon Torii gates, especially when enjoyed alongside cherry blossoms, hydrangeas, and snow, are so colorful they seem to have come straight out of a picture book. You can enjoy visiting in any season

To get to Takayama Inari Shrine, take the Konan Bus Kodomari Line (via Juso) from Goshogawara Station on the JR East Gono Line for 40 minutes, get off at the Takayama Shrine entrance, and then take a taxi for about 5 minutes. Alternatively, it is a 30-minute drive from Goshogawara Station on the JR Gono Line

We recommend experiencing the impressive scenery and receiving power from the dragon-like Senbon Torii gates

Takayama Inari Shrine <Information>

• Name: Takayama Inari Shrine
• Address: 147-1 Washinozawa, Ushigata-cho, Tsugaru City, Aomori Prefecture, 038-3305
• Phone number: 0173-56-2015
• Official URL: https://takayamainari.jp/

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