What Is Saijo Inari? A Nichiren Buddhist Temple with Torii Gates
Saijo Inari, located at 712 Takamatsuinari, Kita-ku, Okayama City, Okayama Prefecture, is officially known as "Saijo Inari-san Myokyo-ji" and belongs to the Nichiren sect of Buddhism.
It was founded in 752 (the 4th year of the Tenpyo Shoho era) and is an ancient temple with a history of more than 1,200 years.
The name "Inari" might lead some people to imagine a Shinto shrine, but Saijo Inari is in fact a Buddhist temple.
At the same time, the precincts feature a massive torii gate standing 27.5 meters tall, and the main hall is decorated with a shimenawa rope in the style of a Shinto shrine.
This unique appearance was preserved because, when the Shinto-Buddhism Separation Order was issued during the Meiji era, Saijo Inari was specially permitted to maintain its "shinbutsu shugo" (fusion of Shinto and Buddhism) form of worship, which is rare in Japan.
Alongside Toyokawa Inari in Aichi Prefecture and Fushimi Inari in Kyoto, it is counted as one of the "three major Inari in Japan," making it a place where international travelers can directly feel that Japanese religious culture cannot be described by a single template.
Start with the Main Hall (Reikoden) and Prayer with Hands Together
The central building of Saijo Inari is the main hall "Reikoden," completed in 1979.
The Three Saijo Deities are enshrined here.
The principal deity, "Saijoi Kyo-o Daibosatsu," is depicted as a celestial maiden riding a white fox and is widely worshipped for blessings of bountiful harvests, business prosperity, and good fortune.
Enshrined beside the main deity are "Hachidai Ryuo-son," the god of water, and "Sanmen Daikoku-sonten," the god of good fortune, together known as the "Three Saijo Deities."
When praying, instead of clapping your hands as at a Shinto shrine, it is better to quietly join your palms together ("gassho").
If you are unsure of the proper way, simply watching nearby worshippers and acting calmly is enough.
What matters most is not to speak loudly or to stand still in places where you would block the path.
The prayer reception is open from 5:30 to 16:30. Prayer services are held at 6:00 and then every hour from 9:00 to 16:00, with reception closing 15 minutes before each service.
Top Things to See in the Saijo Inari Precincts
Beyond the main hall, there are several other spots worth visiting within the Saijo Inari precincts.
"Shichijunana Massha" is an impressive area where many deities are enshrined side by side, giving you a sense of the wide reach of Saijo Inari's faith.
Rather than rushing through each one, walking quietly through this peaceful atmosphere helps you appreciate the depth of belief that fills the precincts.
"Kyuhonden" (the Old Main Hall) is a historic building that remains from before the current main hall was built, and it still conveys the atmosphere of the shinbutsu shugo era.
It has a more subdued presence compared to the current main hall, making it a noteworthy spot for those interested in architecture or temple culture.
A leisurely walk around the entire precincts takes about 1 to 1.5 hours.
Avoid standing still in front of buildings for long periods so you do not get in the way of other worshippers.
Praying for Good Relationships and Cutting Bad Ones at En no Massha
One of the most distinctive places at Saijo Inari is "En no Massha," the Shrine of Bonds.
Here, prayers are offered not only for romantic relationships but also for good bonds in work, study, and other areas of life.
It is also a place for "en-kiri" (cutting bad bonds) related to illness or bad habits as well as troubled relationships, and the distinctive feature is "Ryoen-mairi," a single visit where you can pray for both good bonds and the cutting of bad ones.
The phrase "cutting bonds" may sound a bit harsh.
However, in Japanese belief, it can be understood as a positive wish to distance yourself from bad influences and welcome new, better connections.
If you visit as an international traveler, please refrain from treating it as a curiosity and pray quietly while respecting the feelings of those around you.
The Great Torii Gate and Nio-mon Gate: Symbols of Saijo Inari
One of the most iconic symbols of Saijo Inari is the great torii gate, erected in 1972.
Standing 27.5 meters tall with pillars 4.6 meters in diameter, this enormous torii at a Buddhist temple is a strong reminder of Saijo Inari's unique character.
Visible even from National Route 180, the great torii along the approach and surrounding area helps build anticipation for your visit even before you arrive.
The Nio-mon gate is another building worth seeing within the precincts.
Roughly 11 meters tall and about 12 meters wide and deep, it is a solid stone structure built in an Indian temple-inspired style.
When taking photos, be careful not to have other worshippers' faces appear prominently in your shots.
It is especially considerate to avoid pointing your camera at people who are praying or at those handling matters near the amulet counter.
How to Get to Saijo Inari: Nearest Station, Shuttle Bus, and Parking
The nearest station to Saijo Inari is Bitchu Takamatsu Station on the JR Momotaro Line (Kibi Line), about 2 kilometers from the temple, or about 5 minutes by taxi.
From JR Okayama Station, it takes about 20 minutes to Bitchu Takamatsu Station on the Momotaro Line. By taxi from the west exit of Okayama Station, it takes about 20 minutes (around 15 kilometers).
On Sundays and holidays from March to November, a free shuttle bus may run between Bitchu Takamatsu Station and Saijo Inari.
Operation dates and times can change, so be sure to check the transportation information on the Saijo Inari official website before heading out.
By car, the temple is about 10 minutes (around 5 kilometers) from the Okayama Soja IC on the Okayama Expressway via National Route 180.
There are about 5,000 parking spaces in the surrounding area in total, and dedicated accessible parking is provided within the temple grounds.
During the New Year visiting period, the temple is very crowded, so it is best to allow plenty of extra time for travel.
The grounds include many stone steps and slopes and require some walking, so comfortable shoes are recommended.
Worship Etiquette and Things to Know Before Visiting
Saijo Inari is still an active place of faith where many people come to pray today.
Walking quietly and removing your hat before joining your hands in prayer in front of the main hall are basic forms of etiquette.
Eat and drink only in designated areas, and take your trash with you.
Summer brings strong sunshine, while the mountain area can be chilly in winter, so dressing appropriately for the season and bringing drinks are helpful.
The availability of multilingual pamphlets and English support for amulets may vary by season, so if needed, check the official website in advance or ask on site.
Summary: Saijo Inari Is a Place to Quietly Experience the Fusion of Shinto and Buddhism
Saijo Inari is a spot where you can experience Okayama's unique religious culture, with a great torii gate, the main hall, and prayer with palms joined all in one place.
Even if you are not familiar with the differences between shrines and temples, walking around the precincts gives you a natural understanding of how Japanese faith traditions overlap.
For a first visit, it is a good idea to pray quietly with hands together at the main hall (Reikoden), and then explore the Shichijunana Massha, the Old Main Hall, En no Massha, and the great torii gate at your own pace.
Keeping photos and conversation to a minimum and respecting the time of those who are praying are the basics for a comfortable visit.
With more than 1,200 years of history and the living tradition of fused Shinto and Buddhist prayer, Saijo Inari is well suited to international travelers who want to take in Okayama's history and faith in a calm, reflective atmosphere.
