One of a spiritual place representing Okayama is “Saijo Inari”. In addition, Saijo Inari is one of Japan’s three biggest Inari. (Other two are “Fushimi Inari(Kyoto)” and “Toyokawa Inari(Aichi)”.)
Saijo Inari is a noble temple with the history of 1200 from construction.
This temple has two characteristic.
1.Greatly luxurious building
There are many buildings which is very big and luxurious at Saijo Inari. It can see that it is very respected as an object of regional faith.
2.A small shrine group that is worshiping many deities.
There are many small shrines in Saijo Inari. Each small shrine has specialized divine favor.
Contents:
- Saijo Inari is syncretism of Shinto and Buddhism
- Greatly luxurious building
- Worship at 77 deities who each take a specialized role
- Goshuin(shrine/temple seal or stamp) of Saijo Inari
- How to get to Saijo Inari
1.Saijo Inari is syncretism of Shinto and Buddhism
The official name of Saijo Inari is “Saijo Inari-san Myokyoji Temple”.
Because Saijo Inari resemble a Shinto shrine, we mistake Saijo Inari for a Shinto shrine. However, Saijo Inari is a temple with syncretism of Shinto and Buddhism.
Therefore A is a temple, but has the function of the Shinto shrine.
“Reiko-den” which is the main hall is a building of the major shrine formality. It is a relatively new building built in 1979.
There is “Reio-den” which is an old main hall in the back of the main hall. This building was rebuilt in 1741. There is the history more than 250 years.
The official name of Saijo Inari is “Saijo Inari-san Myokyoji Temple”.
Saijo Inari is a temple, but there is a torii.
2.Greatly luxurious building
The large Shinto straw festoon of the main hall is approximately 1.5 tons in weight at approximately 12 meters in length. d(*ﾟーﾟ*)
A Deva gate is Indian architecture. This is appointed in a registration tangible cultural property.
The two Deva kings image which shines in gold.
“kompondaido”. This building has the personality of the temple.
It is elaborated up to the details very luxuriously. d(*ﾟーﾟ*)
Chōzuya is also gorgeous.
There is the sculpture of a stone made with a big rock in the back of the main hall.
This stone carving is the work of Mr. Masato Yoshimoto (sculptor).
3.Worship at 77 deities who each take a specialized role
There is the place where small Shinto shrines called “Shichijushichi massha(77 deities who each take a specialized role)” gathered in the back of the old main hall.
Each small shrine has each divine favor.
Offer an incense stick in front of each small shrines. d(*ﾟーﾟ*)
4.Goshuin(shrine/temple seal or stamp) of Saijo Inari
“妙法” which is the words to hint at a Lotus Sutra is greatly drawn.
5.How to get to Saijo Inari
Please refer to the following articles for the directions from Kansai (Osaka) to Okayama.
The nearest of Saijo Inari is JR Kibi Line “Bitchu-Takamatsu Station”.
■Route Example (From JR Okayama Station to JR Bitchu-Takamatsu Station)
■備中岡山駅→最上稲荷
From Bitchu-Takamatsu Station to Saijo Inari is about one hour walk.（About 3.6km）
When you are hard to walk, let’s use a taxi. The taxi fare is one way approximately 1,200 yen.
How did you like it?
Saijo Inari is very near from Kibitsu Shrine. d(*ﾟーﾟ*)
Have a nice trip! XD
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