Takayama Inari Shrine

Takayama Inari is the major shrine in Aomori with blessings of good harvest, safety in the voyage and business prosperity. The founding is unclear, but a wealthy family ruling this area in Kamakura through Muromachi Periods is said to have built this shrine. The highlight is the path from the main hall to Shinmeisha Hall. A number of about 2m-tall gates stand along which are called Senbon Torii (A Thousand Gates). There are more than 200 gates gifted with wishes for safety.

Behind Shinmeisha, there is a garden area, where statues of fox are lined up. The fox is believed to be the messenger from god. The facial expressions of these foxes are so diverse that they look as if they are chatting with one another and are amusing to look at.

If you like the atmosphere of the shrine, you can stay in a large building with meals served. The interior is like a Japanese-style inn with a spacious room for a big group.