Vol.10 Shirasasa Inari Shrine, one of the three major Inari shrines in the Kanto region, has been enshrined in Hadano since ancient times

This time, we spoke with Mr. Kaneko, the chief priest of Shirasasa Inari Shrine (Imaizumi, Hadano City), whose name comes from Shirasasa Tsuzumi, Kanai Sake Brewery's main brand.

Mr. Kaneko, the chief priest of Shirasasa Inari Shrine

-Please tell us about Shirasasa Inari Shrine.

The exact date when Shirasasa Inari Shrine was founded is unclear, but it is a miraculous shrine where the spirit of the deity was enshrined in Hadano from its main shrine, Fushimi Inari Taisha in Kyoto. The Sagami Province geography book "Shinpen Sagami Fudoki," compiled during the Edo period, contains a description of the shrine's Hatsuuma Festival, demonstrating that it has been supported by local people and worshippers since ancient times. In the early Showa period, the shrine was so lively that the grounds were overflowing with people, and its long history has been passed down to the present day.

Shirasasa Inari Shrine, the origin of the "Shirasasa Tsuzumi"

In addition, this shrine is counted as one of the three major Inari shrines in the Kanto region (Kasama Inari in Ibaraki and Oji Inari in Kita Ward, Tokyo), and worshippers come from all over the country to pray. Every year on Hatsuuma Day in February, a festival is held to celebrate bountiful harvests and prosperous business. The Hatsuuma Festival is held.

*Hatsuuma: The first day of the horse month in February

The Hatsuuma Festival in the early Showa period was crowded with many people.

-I think Kanai Sake Brewery's "Shirasasa Tsuzumi" has a deep connection with Shirasasa Inari Shrine.

The fourth-generation brewer Hideo, who came to worship at this shrine, was so impressed by the sound of the drum reverberating through the grounds that he named it "Shirasasa Tsuzumi" (Shirosasa Drum) as he prayed for prosperity in business and a good harvest. Since then, we have received offerings of sake barrels and sacred sake every year, and in recent years we have enjoyed a long-standing relationship with the shrine, including the release of a collaborative sake with the shrine maiden mascot "Shirasasa Suzuna ."

"Shirasasa Suzuna" is a cute shrine maiden character based on a fox, which is said to be a messenger of the gods.

-I heard there are many things to see at Shirasasa Inari Shrine. What would you recommend?

There are many spots that we would like you to stop by when you visit this shrine, and we would like to introduce two of our recommendations. vinegar.

The first is the ceiling painting inside the main hall. The ceiling of the worship hall is made of latticed wooden panels and is dedicated to a masterpiece that took seven years to paint by leading Kabuki artist Yoshiyo Goto. The dragon god looking down from the ceiling shows different expressions depending on the angle, and the four gods of Feng Shui, depicted in vivid colors, are so impressive that you will forget time for a while. You can view it at any time except when prayers are being held, so please take your time to enjoy it.

The impressive ceiling painting was created by Yoshiyo Goto, a leading figure in Kabuki art

The second is the Golden Spring, where Hadano's famous spring water springs forth. From April to July, a type of algae called "Hikarimo" covers the surface of the water, and the reflection of light stains the entire pond golden. Hikarimo is highly rare, and this is the third instance of its natural habitat being discovered in Kanagawa Prefecture. It can only grow in Hadano, where the conditions for its habitat are extremely harsh and produce high-quality water. Since it is a natural product, we cannot guarantee that you will be able to see it, but please stop by as it is a lucky charm that brings good fortune in terms of money.

The golden glowing Hikarimo Fountain can be enjoyed seasonally

- Shirasasa Inari Shrine has been enshrined in this area since ancient times, but please tell us about the charm of Hadano.

I believe the water is of such high quality that it was selected as one of Japan's 100 famous waters. Within the temple grounds, there is a spring that gushes out over 7,000 m3 of water every day, the largest volume in Hadano city. The abundant water that overflows from various parts of the city produces a variety of agricultural products and local specialties, and one of the most representative examples is the sake made by Kanai Sake Brewery, which is made from underground water from the Tanzawa Mountains, and is one of the attractions of Hadano. We will continue to cherish the traditions and natural blessings that have been protected and passed down by people of ancient times, and will continue to make efforts to pass on the history and charm of Hadano to future generations.

A water basin that makes use of Hadano's famous water

Introduction to Shirasasa Inari Shrine

It is one of the three major Inari shrines in the Kanto region, and its main shrine is Fushimi Inari Taisha. Every year, the Hatsuuma Festival is held on the first day of the horse month in February. Many worshippers come from all over the country. Prayer services are held every day and prayers are accepted. (Please see the website for details.)

Facility name: Shirasasa Inari Shrine <br>Address: 1089 Imaizumi, Hadano City, Kanagawa Prefecture Contact: 0463-81-0256
access: 5 minutes by car from Hadano-Nakai IC on the Tomei Expressway <br>17 minutes walk from the South Exit of Hadano Station on the Odakyu Line <br>5 minutes by taxi from the South Exit of Hadano Station on the Odakyu Line <br>Odakyu Line Hadano Station North Exit Kanagawa Chuo Kotsu Bus
Platform 5 / Shibusawa North Exit / Mannenbashi <br>Hata 15 Line Hadano Station bound for Mannenbashi [via] Shinsei Lake <br>Hata 15 Line: From Mannenbashi to Hadano Station [Via] Shinsei Lake <br>Hata 18 Line Shibusawa Station North Exit to Hadano Station [Via] Hatanaka/Hitachi <br>Hata 18 Line Hadano Station to Shibusawa Station North Exit [Via] Hatanaka/Hitachi Get off at "Shirasasa Inari Shrine Entrance" and walk for 5 minutes
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