Inaba Shrine, located in Gifu City, Gifu Prefecture, is a historic Shinto shrine with a history of more than 1,900 years. It was traditionally recognized as one of the three major shrines of Mino Province, the former name of this region. Dedicated primarily to Prince Inishiki-Irihiko-no-Mikoto, the shrine features an impressive tower gate, worship hall, and main sanctuary, creating a solemn and peaceful atmosphere.
The shrine is especially lively during the Gifu Festival, held on the first Saturday of April. Floats and portable shrines parade through the city before gathering at the shrine. Hundreds of cherry trees around the grounds are often in bloom around this time, attracting large numbers of visitors.
Inaba Shrine is also one of Gifu City’s most popular places for New Year’s visits. Long lines often form before midnight on New Year’s Eve as people gather to offer their first prayers of the year.
According to tradition, Inaba Shrine was founded in the 14th year of Emperor Keiko’s reign, when the legendary court official Takeuchi no Sukune enshrined Prince Inishiki-Irihiko-no-Mikoto at Tsubakihara, northwest of Mount Inaba. The location is believed to correspond to present-day Maruyama within Gifu Park.
It is also said that Emperor Tenmu prayed for victory at the shrine during the Jinshin War, a major conflict in seventh-century Japan.
In 1539, during the Sengoku period, the warlord Saito Dosan constructed Inabayama Castle on Mount Inaba. In connection with this development, Inaba Shrine was relocated to its present location. The nearby Mononobe Shrine, dedicated to Mononobe no Tochine-no-Mikoto, was also incorporated into the shrine complex.
Inaba Shrine subsequently became widely revered as the guardian shrine of the Gifu region. In 1873, it was designated a prefectural shrine, and in 1939, it was elevated to the status of a government-supported minor shrine. In July 1952, it received the designation of Kinpeisha, a shrine recognized by the Gifu Prefecture Association of Shinto Shrines.
Although the name Inaba Shrine does not appear in the Engishiki Jinmyocho, an important tenth-century register of Shinto shrines, the register does mention a minor shrine called Mononobe Shrine. This is generally associated with the shrine that was later incorporated into Inaba Shrine. Another theory holds that Inaba Shrine itself may be the shrine recorded under that name.
The Mino Province Shrine Register, known as the Mino no Kuni Jinmyocho, records the names Shōichi-i Inaba Ōkami and Ju-go-i-ge Mononobe Myōjin, reflecting the historical status of the deities worshipped here.
In 2015, Inaba Shrine was recognized as one of the cultural assets contributing to the Japan Heritage designation of Gifu’s historic castle town, where the tradition of hospitality associated with Oda Nobunaga continues to live on.
The principal deity is Prince Inishiki-Irihiko-no-Mikoto, the eldest son of Emperor Suinin and a deity traditionally associated with the development of the local region.
Other deities enshrined here include:
These deities are collectively referred to as Inaba Ōkami.
The original shrine buildings were destroyed by the devastating Nobi Earthquake of 1891. The main sanctuary was rebuilt the following year. Between 1929 and 1940, the present shrine buildings were constructed according to designs by Kozo Nihonmatsu.
The shrine grounds contain numerous traditional structures and places of worship, including:
The main sanctuary features an irimoya-style roof, a traditional Japanese architectural design combining a hipped roof with gables, and enshrines five deities.
Several smaller shrines are located within the grounds, including Kuroryu Shrine, Susanoo Shrine (also known as Tsushima Shrine), Gifu Toshogu Shrine, Waka Sanjin Shrine, and Matsuo Shrine. Maruyama Shrine, an associated auxiliary shrine, stands outside the main grounds in the Maruyama area.
The annual Setsubun Festival marks the traditional seasonal transition from winter to spring. Special Setsubun prayers are offered from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., and a ceremonial handheld-firework offering takes place from 6:00 p.m.
On April 5, Inaba Shrine joins Kogane Shrine and Kashimori Shrine in celebrating the Gifu Festival. Elaborately decorated floats and portable shrines parade through the city before gathering at the shrine, creating a lively atmosphere that reflects the region’s longstanding festival traditions.
With its ancient origins, impressive architecture, and lively seasonal festivals, Inaba Shrine is an important destination for visitors interested in Japanese history and Shinto traditions. Its combination of spiritual significance, cultural heritage, and seasonal beauty makes it a rewarding stop when exploring Gifu City.