Saijo Inari
最上稲荷
One of Japan's three great Inari shrines. This Nichiren Buddhist temple blends Shinto and Buddhist worship, and its 27-metre torii is one of the largest in Japan.
Saijo Inari, formally known as Myōkyō-ji, was founded in the Nara period and still combines Shinto and Buddhist worship. Its main hall is grand, and the approach is lined with souvenir shops and red banners. Hundreds of thousands of people visit for the first shrine visit of the New Year, making it one of the most popular temples and shrines in the Chūgoku region. Entry to the grounds is free. It is about a 40-minute bus ride from Okayama Station, or about 10 minutes by taxi from JR Bitchu-Takamatsu Station. It can be combined with Kibitsu Shrine on the same day.
Opening hours
Open all day (prayer requests accepted approx. 08:00–16:30)
Nearby sights
- Kibitsu Shrine
- Kibitsuhiko Shrine
- Bitchu Kokubunji & Kibiji Cycling Road
- Kinojo Castle Ruins
- Okayama Orient Museum
- Yumeji Art Museum
- Okayama Korakuen
- Hayashibara Museum of Art