A Unique Blend of Shinto and Buddhism
Saijo Inari is renowned as one of Japan’s rare Inari sacred sites that preserves the traditional fusion of Shinto and Buddhism. Although it is a Buddhist temple, it features a large torii gate and a main sanctuary, known as Reikoden, adorned with a sacred rope in a style associated with Shinto shrines. These features reflect the religious traditions that flourished in Japan before the separation of Shinto and Buddhism in the early Meiji period.
Saijo Inari is often counted among Japan’s Three Great Inari Sites, alongside Fushimi Inari Taisha and Toyokawa Inari. During the first three days of January, approximately 600,000 worshippers visit the temple, making it one of Okayama Prefecture’s most popular destinations for New Year prayers.
The Historic Land of Kibi
The temple stands in the historic region of Kibi, an area known since ancient times for its rich culture and heritage. The surrounding region is associated with the impressive Tsukuriyama Kofun burial mounds and the legendary tale of Momotaro, the Peach Boy. It also witnessed significant events during Japan’s Warring States period.
Surrounded by beautiful natural scenery, Saijo Inari has served as a spiritual center for more than 1,200 years. Through prayers and memorial services, the temple has continued to offer people a place to seek peace, happiness, and protection throughout the generations.
History and Background
A Temple That Survived the Anti-Buddhist Movement
Saijo Inari is known as the only temple in Okayama Prefecture to have escaped the destruction associated with the anti-Buddhist movement of the early Meiji period. Following World War II, the temple temporarily separated from the Nichiren school of Buddhism and became the head temple of Saijo Inarikyo, operating under the name Myokyoji. In July 2009, it officially returned to the Nichiren school.
The Principal Deity of Worship
The temple’s principal object of worship is Saijoikyo-o Daibosatsu, also known as Inari Daimyojin, a sacred figure associated with the teachings of the Lotus Sutra. The deity is depicted as a celestial figure riding a white fox, holding a sickle in the right hand and carrying a bundle of rice over the left shoulder. This imagery closely resembles Dakiniten, a Buddhist deity traditionally associated with Inari worship.
Legends of the Temple’s Founding
According to temple tradition, the monk Hoon Daishi received an imperial order in 752, during the reign of Empress Koken, to pray for the recovery of the emperor’s health. He performed religious rites at Hachijo-iwa, a large rock in the mountains of Kibi, where he is said to have encountered Saijoikyo-o Daibosatsu.
Later, the temple was established following prayers for the recovery of Emperor Kanmu. These events are regarded as the origins of Myokyoji, the temple that stands today.
Reconstruction and Cultural Heritage
The temple was once destroyed by fire during Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s military campaign into the Chugoku region. It was subsequently restored in the early Edo period (1603–1868), allowing its religious traditions to continue.
The former main sanctuary, Reio-den, was built in 1741 and is designated as an Important Cultural Property by Okayama City. The present main sanctuary, Reiko-den, was constructed in 1979.
In 1951, following the enforcement of Japan’s Religious Corporations Act, Myokyoji became independent as Saijo Inarikyo. The temple returned to the Nichiren school of Buddhism in 2009.
Important Historical Events
1950: A mountain fire destroyed the Niomon Gate.
1958: The Niomon Gate was rebuilt, and golden statues of the Nio guardian deities and white foxes were installed.
1972: A monumental torii gate, standing 27.5 meters tall, was erected in the Takamatsu area of Okayama City.
2009: Okayama became a government-designated major city, and the temple’s location came to be identified as Takamatsu Inari in Kita Ward, Okayama City.
2014: Renovation work on the Niomon Gate was completed, followed by a commemorative ceremony.
Cultural Properties
Important Cultural Property Designated by Okayama City
The former main sanctuary, Reio-den, is designated as an Important Cultural Property by Okayama City, reflecting the temple’s historical and architectural significance.
Registered Tangible Cultural Properties of Japan
Numerous buildings within the temple grounds are registered Tangible Cultural Properties of Japan. These include the Sanmon Gate, Niomon Gate, main hall, guest hall and priests’ quarters, Kansho-ken, drum tower and connecting corridor, Hokokaku Hall, stable, water pavilion, bell tower, Seishoko Hall, the front hall, worship hall and Kyo-o Hall of Reio-den, as well as Gosha Tenno Shrine, Asahi Tenno Shrine and Hi-guruma Tenno Shrine.
Exploring the Temple Grounds
A Vast Complex Divided into Three Areas
Saijo Inari spreads across an extensive area at the foot of Mount Ryuozan. Its grounds are broadly divided into three zones: the prayer area, the cultural heritage area, and the memorial and memorial-service area. Each offers a different perspective on the temple’s religious traditions, historical buildings, and spiritual atmosphere.
The Prayer Area
The prayer area centers on the main sanctuary, Reikoden, where visitors can offer prayers and participate in religious services. Facilities include stone sculptures, a prayer reception area, the Yukari good-luck shop, Kekkairo Hall, a vehicle prayer facility, a repository for retired religious objects, and a water pavilion.
The area also includes Saijo Cemetery and Saijo Pet Memorial, providing spaces for remembrance and memorial services for both people and beloved animals.
The Cultural Heritage Area
This section features the former main sanctuary, Reio-den, along with 77 subsidiary shrines, additional auxiliary shrines, and several sites associated with the temple’s spiritual history. Highlights include Daimoku-iwa, Hachijo-iwa, Iwaaki Myoo, Myoken-do Hall, and the statue of Nichiren, the founder of the Nichiren school of Buddhism.
Visitors can also explore the site of Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s military headquarters, known as Ichinomaru, and Senshinkaku Hall, which is associated with rigorous Buddhist ascetic practices.
The Memorial and Religious Service Area
The memorial area includes Konpon Daido Hall, the Great Guest Hall, Kansho Garden, a magnificent ginkgo tree, the Hishima Kannon statue, and the Mizuko Kannon statue dedicated to the remembrance of deceased children. Other facilities include Ryozenkaku Hall, the Niomon Gate, Saijo Library, Kenmyokaku Hall, and Seishoko Hall.
The area also contains Saijo Reibyo, a columbarium where the remains of the deceased are enshrined. Together, these facilities reflect the temple’s enduring role in prayer, remembrance, and Buddhist memorial traditions.
Other Highlights
Beyond the three main zones, visitors can see the impressive Great Torii Gate and stroll through the traditional approach lined with shops and eateries. The approach provides a welcoming introduction to the temple, with opportunities to browse local souvenirs and enjoy refreshments.
Another related site is Myogenji Temple, a branch temple of Saijo Inari Takamatsu Castle-in, which offers further insight into the area’s religious heritage.
Local Specialty: Yuzu Rice Crackers
One of the best-known souvenirs associated with Saijo Inari is yuzu senbei, crisp rice crackers flavored with the fragrant citrus fruit yuzu. Several producers make these treats, and they are available from shops along the temple approach. Their refreshing citrus aroma and light sweetness make them a popular choice for visitors looking for a distinctive local souvenir.
Access to Saijo Inari
By Public Transportation
The nearest railway station is Bitchu-Takamatsu Station on the JR West Kibi Line, also known as the Momotaro Line. The temple is approximately 2 kilometers from the station, a walk of around 30 minutes or about 5 minutes by taxi.
During the first three days of January, when large numbers of people visit for New Year prayers, temporary buses operate between the north exit of Bitchu-Takamatsu Station and the entrance to the temple approach.
By Car
Saijo Inari has large parking facilities, but traffic can become extremely congested during major events, particularly New Year visits and Setsubun celebrations. Visitors planning to drive during these periods should check the temple’s official website for the latest traffic restrictions and access information.
Main Driving Routes
From Okayama-Soja Interchange: Take National Route 180 toward Okayama, turn north at the Bitchu-Takamatsu intersection, and continue onto Okayama Prefectural Route 241. The journey takes approximately 10 minutes.
From Kibi Smart Interchange: Travel west along Okayama City Road Sayama-Karakawa Line, head north on Prefectural Route 61 at the Karakawa-Ichiba intersection, and then turn south onto Prefectural Route 241 at the Nagano intersection. The journey takes approximately 15 minutes.
From central Okayama: Follow National Route 180 toward Soja, turn north onto Prefectural Route 61 at the Nakagawa Bridge intersection, and continue via Nagano intersection onto Prefectural Route 241. The journey takes approximately 30 minutes.
From Takahashi, Soja, or Kurashiki: Take National Route 180 toward Okayama, turn north at the Bitchu-Takamatsu intersection, and continue along Prefectural Route 241. The journey takes approximately 15 minutes.
With its distinctive blend of Buddhist and Shinto traditions, centuries of history, and extensive temple grounds, Saijo Inari offers a memorable cultural experience in Okayama. Whether visiting to pray for good fortune, explore historic architecture, or sample local specialties along the approach, travelers can discover a spiritual landmark that continues to play an important role in the region’s heritage.