Saigō Inariyama Myōkōji Temple

Overview

Saigō Inariyama Myōkōji Temple is a Nichiren Buddhist temple located in Kita-ku, Okayama City, Okayama Prefecture, and is known as one of Japan's three great Inari shrines. Formally known as "Saigō Inariyama Myōkōji Temple," it's a precious sacred site where the Shingon-buppō shūgō form was permitted. The grounds feature a torii gate, typically seen at Shinto shrines, showcasing many aspects of its syncretic past. Saigō Inari is a leading pilgrimage site in the prefecture, visited by many seeking blessings for domestic tranquility, business prosperity, and good fortune. It's also nationally unique for enshrining deities of both matchmaking and severing ties, attracting many seeking new relationships. Every 7th of the month, a "Ryōen Mairi" (double-縁参り) event is held, offering a chance to find a new relationship. Saigō Inari boasts an ancient history. According to temple legend, it began when Hōon Daishi, in response to an imperial command to cure Emperor Kōken's illness in 752 AD (Tenpyō Shōhō 4), practiced ascetic practices at an eight-mat rock in the Kibiki mountains and attained the highest rank of Keio Daibosatsu. Later, due to the merit of prayers for the recovery of Emperor Kanmu, an offer of donations for temple construction was made. One day, while seeking a sacred site, Daishi received an oracle from the highest rank Keio Daibosatsu, "Establish a temple in the Ryūōzan foothills of Bizen Province," leading to the establishment of the current Myōkōji Temple. Saigō Inari captivates many as a place to feel history, faith, and power. Be sure to visit!