Nagoya, Japan Shrine Visit Report 2026 Moriyama No.1 Ikutama Inari Jinja
On August 25, 2026, after visiting a stone company in Moriyama Ward, Nagoya, I went to Ikutama Inari Shrine.
Ikutama Inari Shrine is an Inari shrine located in Obata-naka, Moriyama Ward, Nagoya. According to its official website, it is now one of the largest Inari shrines in the Nagoya area.
The grounds include large stone fox statues, stone lanterns, vermilion torii gates, stone water basins, and an inner sanctuary. I took 32 photographs during this visit.
According to shrine tradition, it was founded around 1200. In the early 1570s, Oda Genzaburo Akachiyo, lord of Obata Castle and a nephew of Oda Nobunaga, is said to have enshrined it as a guardian deity of the castle. A tradition involving Tokugawa Ieyasu in 1584 also remains.
Photographic Record of Ikutama Inari Shrine
001 Front of Ikutama Inari Shrine
This is the front of Ikutama Inari Shrine as seen from the road. Large fox statues stand on both sides of the stone torii gate, and the shrine building can be seen beyond them.
002 Large Stone Fox Statue
This large stone fox statue stands at the entrance. It is set on a high stone pedestal, which is carved with the word “Dedication.”
003 Matching Large Fox Statue
This is the fox statue on the opposite side. The pair is positioned at the entrance to the shrine grounds.
004 Stone Lantern Near the Entrance
A large stone lantern stands near the stone torii gate. The word “Kento,” meaning a dedicated lantern, can be seen carved into the shaft.
005 Shrine Grounds and Main Building
This view looks toward the shrine building from within the grounds. Large trees and stone structures remain throughout the spacious grounds.
006 History Board of Ikutama Inari Shrine
This history board is installed on the shrine grounds. It is an on-site source for learning about the history of the shrine.
007 Stone Purification Basin
A large granite purification basin is placed in the purification pavilion. Behind the stone basin is a water spout shaped like a dragon.
008 Purification Pavilion
This is the purification pavilion where visitors cleanse themselves before worship. A dragon pours the water.
009 Shrine Building of Ikutama Inari Shrine
This is the current shrine building. After postwar reconstruction, the present building was completed in 1974.
010 Kasuga-Type Stone Lantern on the Grounds
A weathered Kasuga-type stone lantern remains on the shrine grounds. A dedication stone pillar also stands nearby. The year 1979 is carved on it.
011 Matching Kasuga-Type Stone Lantern
This is the Kasuga-type stone lantern on the left side. The stone surface shows changes caused by many years of exposure to the weather.
012 Close View of a Large Fox Statue
I photographed the large fox statue at the main entrance from close range. Its ears, eyes, mouth, and other details are clearly carved.
013 The Other Large Fox Statue
I photographed the matching large fox statue from another angle. A cloth is wrapped around its neck.
014 Musubi Kitsune
On the shrine grounds is a stone sculpture called “Musubi Kitsune,” showing two foxes close together. They are a fox couple.
015 Fuku Kitsune
This black fox statue is called “Fuku Kitsune.” I touched it to check the material, and it is granite. It has a polished finish.
016 Vermilion Torii Gates and a Shrine on the Grounds
The path continues through the vermilion torii gates toward a shrine beyond them. Dedicated stone lanterns stand around the area.
017 Stone Water Basin on the Grounds
This is a stone water basin I found on the shrine grounds. Slender dedicated stone lanterns stand around it.
018 Multiple Stone Water Basins
Several stone water basins of different shapes are lined up here. Many dedicated stone lanterns stand behind them.
019 Stone Torii Gate and Path of Vermilion Torii Gates
Beyond the stone torii gate, a series of vermilion torii gates continues along a path deeper into the shrine grounds.
020 Path to the Inner Sanctuary
This path leads toward the inner sanctuary. Red and white dedication banners line both sides.
021 Area Around the Inner Sanctuary
This is the area around the inner sanctuary, surrounded by trees. The shrine building can be seen beyond the stone torii gate.
022 Stone Torii Gate with Shimenawa
A shimenawa sacred rope and shide paper streamers are attached to the stone torii gate. A small shrine stands beyond it.
023 Inner Sanctuary Shrine Building
The inner sanctuary shrine building stands at the top of the stone steps. Stone fox statues are positioned on both sides of the steps.
024 Stone Fox Statue at the Inner Sanctuary
This stone fox statue stands around the inner sanctuary. Its design is simpler than that of the large fox statues at the main entrance.
025 Matching Old Fox Statue
This is the stone fox statue on the opposite side. It appears to show scars from World War II.
026 Inscription on the Fox Statue Pedestal
An inscription related to the date of erection and the dedication remains on the side of the fox statue pedestal. Part of the date is missing, making it difficult to identify the exact year. I estimate it dates from the 1880s to the 1900s.
027 Yamajinja Stone Monument
In the inner part of the grounds, I found a stone monument inscribed “Yamajinja.” A shimenawa sacred rope and shide paper streamers are attached to it, and a red offertory box is placed in front.
028 Stone Steps Leading Deeper into the Grounds
These stone steps lead farther into the shrine grounds surrounded by trees. Handrails are installed on both sides.
029 Information for Visitors
This information board for visitors discusses fallen leaves, insects, and other aspects of nature on the shrine grounds. It encourages visitors to observe the fallen leaves, look for living creatures, and listen to the voices of birds while worshipping. If you are lucky, you may even encounter a white snake.
030 Small Shrine Deep in the Grounds
This small vermilion shrine stands deep within the grounds. Natural stones remain around it, and a red offertory box is placed in front of the shrine.
031 Tree-Covered Inner Grounds
This view looks across the inner part of the grounds. Stone steps and stonework continue beneath the trees, creating a different landscape from the open area near the front of the shrine.
032 Ikutama Inari Shrine Seen from the Road
This is the shrine grounds as seen from the road. The stone torii gate, large fox statues, stone lanterns, shrine building, and overall layout of the front area can be seen.
About Ikutama Inari Shrine
| Name | Ikutama Inari Shrine |
|---|---|
| Japanese Reading | Ikutama Inari Jinja |
| Location | 3-13-44 Obata-naka, Moriyama Ward, Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture, Japan |
| Main Deity | Uga-no-Mitama-no-Kami |
| Worship | Inari Gosha Daimyojin |
| Foundation | Around 1200 according to shrine tradition |
| Name Used in the Late Edo Period | Also called “Obata Inari” |
| Current Shrine Name | Became “Ikutama Inari Shrine” in 1879 |
| Feature | One of the largest Inari shrines in the Nagoya area |
| Current Shrine Building | Completed in 1974 |
Tradition of a Foundation Around 1200
The exact year when Ikutama Inari Shrine was founded is unknown.
According to shrine tradition, it was founded around 1200.
Later, the shrine's history came to include connections with the warriors who ruled this area.
Early 1570s — Guardian Deity of the Oda Family's Castle
In the early 1570s, Ikutama Inari Shrine is said to have been enshrined as a guardian deity of the castle by Oda Genzaburo Akachiyo, lord of Obata Castle.
Oda Genzaburo Akachiyo is said to have been a nephew of Oda Nobunaga.
The history of Ikutama Inari Shrine therefore preserves not only the local faith of Moriyama Ward but also a connection with the Oda family during Japan's Sengoku period.
1584 — Tradition Involving Tokugawa Ieyasu
In 1584, when Tokugawa Ieyasu stayed at Obata Castle, tradition says that he heard about the spiritual power of Ikutama Inari Shrine.
It is said that bamboo was cut from Inariyama to make a flagpole, which was then presented to Ieyasu.
The history of Ikutama Inari Shrine therefore includes not only the Oda family but also Tokugawa Ieyasu.
The Great Flood of 1650
In September 1650, a major flood washed away the shrine buildings.
The buildings were later rebuilt, and repairs and reconstruction continued throughout the shrine's long history.
From “Obata Inari” to Ikutama Inari Shrine
In the late Edo period, the shrine was also called “Obata Inari,” but in 1879 it took its current name, “Ikutama Inari Shrine.”
However, the specific origin of the name “Ikutama” is not explained in the official materials I checked.
Wartime Damage and the Current Shrine Building
During World War II, the buildings on the shrine grounds suffered major damage from wartime destruction.
Afterward, reconstruction was carried out by local parishioners and worshippers, and the current shrine building was completed in May 1974.
One of the Largest Inari Shrines in the Nagoya Area
Today, the official website introduces Ikutama Inari Shrine as one of the largest Inari shrines in the Nagoya area.
The grounds include large fox statues, stone lanterns, vermilion torii gates, and an inner sanctuary, giving the shrine a scale different from that of a small local Inari shrine.
History of Ikutama Inari Shrine
| Period | Event |
|---|---|
| Around 1200 | According to shrine tradition, Ikutama Inari Shrine was founded around this time. |
| Early 1570s | Oda Genzaburo Akachiyo, lord of Obata Castle, is said to have enshrined it as a guardian deity of the castle. |
| 1584 | According to tradition, Tokugawa Ieyasu stayed at Obata Castle and heard about the spiritual power of Ikutama Inari Shrine. |
| 1650 | A major flood washed away the shrine buildings, which were later rebuilt. |
| Late Edo Period | The shrine was also called “Obata Inari.” |
| 1879 | It took its current name, “Ikutama Inari Shrine.” The specific origin of the name “Ikutama” is not explained in the official materials I checked. |
| 1940s | The shrine buildings suffered major damage during wartime destruction. |
| 1974 | The current shrine building was completed. |
| Today | It is worshipped as one of the largest Inari shrines in the Nagoya area. |
Deities of Ikutama Inari Shrine
Ikutama Inari Shrine enshrines “Inari Gosha Daimyojin,” representing the broad divine virtues of Inari Okami through five divine names. The main deity is Uga-no-Mitama-no-Kami.
| Deity | About the Deity |
|---|---|
| Uga-no-Mitama-no-Kami | A deity associated with rice, food, and agricultural abundance. This is the main deity of Ikutama Inari Shrine. |
| Onamuchi-no-Kami | A deity associated with nation-building, medicine, healing, and human relationships. |
| Ukemochi-no-Kami | A deity of food and nourishment, closely associated with the origins and provision of food. |
| Omiyanome-no-Kami | A deity associated with harmony, protection of homes and places, and the smooth conduct of daily and social life. |
| Ota-no-Kami | A deity associated with land, fields, agriculture, and the protection of cultivated places. |
After the Visit
During this visit, I walked through the grounds of one of the largest Inari shrines in the Nagoya area and photographed its many fox statues, stone lanterns, stone water basins, torii gates, inner sanctuary, and other features.
After checking its history, I also learned that the shrine has a long story extending from its traditional foundation around 1200 through its connections with the Oda family and Tokugawa Ieyasu, floods, wartime damage, and postwar reconstruction.
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Recorded on August 25, 2026
Written on August 25, 2026