Yojirō Inari Shrine

Overview

Yojiro Inari Shrine is a shrine in Akita City, Akita Prefecture. Its origins lie in the Legend of the Yojiro Fox, and shrines of the same name are handed down in both Akita City and Higashine City in Yamagata Prefecture. The Akita City shrine stands on ground associated with the Kubota Castle ruins and Senshu Park, a beloved Inari shrine tied to the memory of this former castle town.

Highlights

• ●An Inari shrine rich in story, rooted in the Legend of the Yojiro Fox
• ●A location closely tied to the Kubota Castle ruins and Senshu Park
• ●The rare bond of twin same-named shrines in Akita and Higashine
• ●A stroll-worthy stop near Akita Station in the old castle town

History

The shrine takes its origin from the Legend of the Yojiro Fox. A striking feature is that a shrine of the same name, rooted in this legend, exists in both Akita City and Higashine City in Yamagata Prefecture. The Akita shrine, also written in old characters, carries on a tale passed down within Kubota Castle and its castle town.

Map

39.7219, 140.1231 · Wikidata

Suggested itinerary

1. 1Head from Akita Station toward Senshu Park (Kubota Castle ruins)
2. 2Visit Yojiro Inari Shrine and encounter the Legend of the Yojiro Fox
3. 3Walk the Kubota Castle ruins and Senshu Park to feel the castle-town history
4. 4Enjoy seasonal blossoms or foliage while touring the city center

Did you know?

💡 That shrines sharing the same Legend of the Yojiro Fox are handed down in two places — Akita City and Higashine City in Yamagata — gives this shrine a rare narrative character. It reflects local memory, linking the Inari faith of the castle town of Akita with folklore about foxes.

Nearby spots