The Kasama
Inari Shrine in Kasama city, Ibaraki, one of the three largest Inari Okami
Shrines in Japan, was founded in 651, and is dedicated to the Ukanomitama no kami,
the spirit with jurisdiction over the five grains and foodstuff.
The Shrine suffered
serious damage during the Tohoku earthquake. An illustration of this is the now
absent torii gates, pending restoration at the time of my visit. Similarly the
purification font is with a big crack on the roof, apparently caused by the
quake, and is yet to be repaired. On the other hand, some of the buildings bear
signs of the of the fresh damage reparation.
The old main gate
to the shrine, now known as the east gate, it is now located at the right side
of the main approach to the premises. With an edo style high gable roof, now
has a recently refurbished roof, built still keeping most of its original
condition.
The new gate,
known as Romon, is a two stories gate, built in 1961. Guarded by two guardian
deities, at the sides, and a pair of wood horses at the back; attesting the age
of the shrine.
After the
main gate, the main hall or haiden, dominates the ground premises. Built in 1960,
the hall is relatively new but as the main gate case, some of the decorations
are quite old.
Make sure
that you visit the main sanctuary at the back of the main hall, constructed in
1856, or you will miss it as I regrettably did.
