Saijo Inari

This Inari was specially allowed to have both religious forms of Shinto and Buddhism, after the edicts ordering the separation of Shinto and Buddhism. It is one of the three major Inari in Japan.The official name of the temple is Saijo Inari-san Myokyoji Temple. Although it is a temple, there is Kyu-Honden (Former Main Hall) that has a style of shrine architecture. There is also O-Torii Gate(Great Gate) that stands in the countryside of Kibi.

The principal image is the Saijoi Kyo-o Daibosatsu, also known as Inari Daimyojin. Legend has it that the well-trained priest Ho-on Daishi had a vision of Saijoi Kyo-o Daibosatsu at Hachijoiwa Rock. Climbing the trail from the west side of Kyu-Honden (Former Main Hall), you will see Hachijoiwa Rock. This is a sacred place. It is said to have been named so because the upper part of the rock is about 8 tatami mats in size. From here you can see the ruins of Bitchu Takamatsu Castle. You will want to visit the nearby Gankaimeio, a spring with fresh water. There is also Daimoku Rock, a large rock that is 8 meters tall.

The main shrine was completed in 1979 over a period of 5 years. Honden (Main Hall) is a representative building of Saijo Inari and enshrines the principal image, “Saijo Sama”. It was constructed to commemorate the 1200 year anniversary of the temple's founding. At this time, the former main shrine was moved to the back.　

Kyu-Honden (Former Main Hall) in the style of a medieval shrine was rebuilt in 1741.There are '77 Massha' (small shrines belonging to the 77 shrines) around the shrine where various gods were enshrined. One of them, 'Enno Massha,' is where you can pray for both dissolution of a relationship and matchmaking. The Niomon gate is made of rare stone architecture that adopts the India Hall of Fame style. This is due to the experience of being burned in a forest fire.