Haritsuna Shrine
1 / 10

Haritsuna Shrine

4.1
·728 reviews·Inuyama, Japan

Historic shrine at the base of Inuyama Castle, famous for the vibrant Inuyama Festival and prayers for childbirth.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

First weekend of April

Inuyama Festival spectacle

CrowdHigh
Loading map...
Haritsuna Shrine

Haritsuna Shrine

Best Time

First weekend of April

Inuyama Festival spectacle

CrowdHigh
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Historic shrine at the base of Inuyama Castle, famous for the vibrant Inuyama Festival and prayers for childbirth.

4.1
(728 reviews)

"A national intangible folk cultural asset, the Inuyama Festival at Haritsuna Shrine is a dazzling sight."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Festival Timing is Key

Visit during the Inuyama Festival (first weekend of April) for a vibrant cultural experience.

🚶‍♀️ Combine with Castle Visit

Haritsuna Shrine is at the base of Inuyama Castle; explore both together.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Inuyama Festival Parade

Inuyama Festival Parade

Around Haritsuna Shrine

Witness the spectacular parade of 13 towering floats during the annual Inuyama Festival in early April.

Instagram+1
Shrine Architecture

Shrine Architecture

Haritsuna Shrine grounds

Admire the elegant and clean environment of this historic shrine, a national intangible folk cultural asset.

Reddit
Views of the Surrounding Area

Views of the Surrounding Area

Near the shrine

Enjoy pleasant views of the city and mountains, though some are partially obscured by trees.

Reddit
Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit for the Inuyama Festival

The Inuyama Festival, a national intangible folk cultural property, is the highlight for many visitors. Held annually on the first weekend of April, it features a parade of 13 three-layered floats. Plan your trip around this vibrant event for a truly memorable experience. Instagram+1

Combine with Inuyama Castle Exploration

Haritsuna Shrine is conveniently located at the base of Inuyama Castle. Many visitors pass by it on their way to explore the castle. Consider visiting both attractions in one go to maximize your time in the area. InstagramReddit

Best Times

When
First weekend of April
Why
Inuyama Festival spectacle
Crowd
High
When
Spring mornings
Why
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Quieter atmosphere
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Tuesday, April 30, 2024 at 14:03 | Haritsunajinja Shrine (針綱神社), Inuyama City, Aichi Prefecture, Japan #japan #japansidetrip #japansightseeing #aichi #japanlovers #inuyama #犬山 #犬山市 #haritsunashrine #針綱神社
peter.toshiro.matsumoto
37 likes • 3.5K views

🎯 Festival Timing is Key

Visit during the Inuyama Festival (first weekend of April) for a vibrant cultural experience. Instagram+1

🚶‍♀️ Combine with Castle Visit

Haritsuna Shrine is at the base of Inuyama Castle; explore both together. InstagramReddit

Haritsuna Shrine (Inuyama) Embu Dedicated to the shrine 2023/4/1 Except during COVID, the Keido Eishin Kai dedicates an embu to Haritsuna Jinja at the base of Inuyama Castle every year during the Inuyama Matsuri. You usually wear full formalwear at this kind of event, but since this takes place at a spring matsuri, some of us like to wear more festive, colorful clothes. By the way, I made a p...
dropped_tales
103 likes • 789 views
Back to 2019 gap year with me 📍 Inuyama, Japan|犬山市 🇯🇵 Haritsuna Shrine|針綱神社 🇯🇵 Sanko Inari Shrine|三光稲荷神社 #travel #instatravel #travelgram #traveltheworld #travelphotography #traveldiary #adventure #discover #exploretheworld #japan #aichi #inuyama #inuyamacastle #犬山城下町食べ歩き#犬山城下町グルメ #犬山城下町 #SankoInariShrine #HaritsunaShrine #三光稲荷神社 #針綱神社
claire_hsieh_travel
0 likes • 317 views

💖 Good Luck Charms

Consider purchasing charms for childbirth and safety, available in pink and blue. Reddit

📸 Best Photos at Castle

Views from the shrine are nice, but the castle offers superior photo opportunities. Reddit

A national significant intangible gold cultural asset, started in1635 as an annual festival of the HARITSUNA shrine, and is still held every year on the first weekend of April. The highlight of this festival is the parade by 13 three-layered floats 25 feet in height, with the sound of Japanese flutes and drums. #sakura #japan #spring #festival #unesco
kowenwu09
12 likes • 170 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Festival Timing is Key

Visit during the Inuyama Festival (first weekend of April) for a vibrant cultural experience. Instagram+1

🚶‍♀️ Combine with Castle Visit

Haritsuna Shrine is at the base of Inuyama Castle; explore both together. InstagramReddit

💖 Good Luck Charms

Consider purchasing charms for childbirth and safety, available in pink and blue. Reddit

📸 Best Photos at Castle

Views from the shrine are nice, but the castle offers superior photo opportunities. Reddit

🌸 Cherry Blossom Season

The festival is especially beautiful with cherry blossoms in full bloom. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.1
(728 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Haritsuna Shrine is a pleasant stop, often visited in conjunction with Inuyama Castle. Visitors appreciate its elegant and clean environment, and its historical significance as a national intangible folk cultural property. The shrine is particularly noted for its connection to the vibrant Inuyama Festival and for offering charms related to childbirth and safety. While views are nice, they are often surpassed by those from the nearby castle.

"Shrine at the base of Inuyama Castle.

Average, as far as Japanese shrines go, but worth a visit on your way to the castle.

Different shrines are associated with different things in Japan (Studying, Business, Health, and such), this shrine is for having children and your safety while giving birth. So, if that is something you are thinking about it’s a good idea to buy one of the good-luck charms when you visit (They come in pink and blue.).

Offers ok views of the surrounding city and mountains, but slightly obstructed by tree. Wait until you’re at the castle to get a good picture."

J

"The majestic shrine boasts an elegant and clean environment with stunning scenery."

Shao-Chin Huang

"Haritsuna Shrine is listed in the Engi-Shiki, in the chapter that lists Shinto shrines at the time. It is located in the Inuyama area as one of the Five Owari Shrines and enshrines the Sochinju (local Shinto deity) of the Nobi region. The Inuyama Festival at Haritsuna Shrine has been designated a national intangible folk cultural property.
The shrine was relocated to its present location in 1882.

Every year in April the famous Inuyama Festival is held, and is especially beautiful when the cherry blossoms are fully open and there is a parade at night of floats moving around by the light of paper lanterns, making for a dazzling sight."

Hideo Kuze

What People Like

Elegant and clean environment
Inuyama Festival
Historical significance

What People Dislike

Views partially obstructed

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Haritsuna Shrine is located in Inuyama City, Aichi Prefecture, Japan. It's situated at the base of Inuyama Castle. You can reach Inuyama by train from Nagoya Station via the Meitetsu Inuyama Line. From Inuyama Station, it's a short walk to the shrine and castle area. TikTokInstagram

Yes, there are parking lots available near Inuyama Castle, which is adjacent to Haritsuna Shrine. It's advisable to check for specific parking fees and availability, especially during peak seasons or festivals. Instagram

Absolutely! Haritsuna Shrine, along with Inuyama Castle, makes for an excellent day trip, especially from Nagoya. The travel time is manageable, allowing you to experience both attractions comfortably. Instagram

The two are practically adjacent, with the shrine located at the base of the castle. A short walk is all it takes to move between them. Reddit

Yes, Inuyama City is well-served by public transport. The Meitetsu Inuyama Line provides easy access, and local buses may also be available for shorter distances within the city. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Haritsuna Shrine is generally free to enter and explore its grounds. However, if you plan to visit Inuyama Castle, separate admission fees will apply. Reddit

Shrine grounds are typically accessible from early morning until late afternoon or early evening. Specific hours can vary, but it's generally open during daylight hours. Instagram

While the festival itself is a public event, there might be associated costs for food stalls or specific viewing areas. The parade route is usually accessible without a separate festival ticket. Instagram+1

Yes, you can purchase good-luck charms, particularly those related to childbirth and safety, at Haritsuna Shrine. Reddit

Haritsuna Shrine hosts the significant Inuyama Festival annually in April. It also has other ceremonies, such as the Grand Shrine Shikinen Sengu, as noted in some posts. Instagram+3

📸 📸 Photography

The shrine itself offers a serene atmosphere for photography. However, for more expansive views of the surrounding city and mountains, it's recommended to head up to Inuyama Castle. Reddit

Yes, photography is generally allowed during the Inuyama Festival. Capturing the illuminated floats at night can be particularly stunning. Instagram

While generally permitted, it's always respectful to be mindful of ongoing prayers or ceremonies. Avoid intrusive photography during religious services. Instagram

A standard camera or smartphone is sufficient for most visitors. For the festival, a lens that can handle low light conditions might be beneficial for nighttime shots. Instagram

Combining shots of the shrine with the backdrop of Inuyama Castle provides a comprehensive visual narrative of the location. Instagram+1

🎫 ⛩️ Onsite Experience

Haritsuna Shrine is known for its historical significance, its connection to the Inuyama Festival, and as a place for prayers related to childbirth and safety. It's also one of the Five Owari Shrines. InstagramReddit+1

The Inuyama Festival is a national intangible folk cultural property, dating back to 1635. It features a parade of elaborate floats and is a major cultural event in the region. Instagram+1

Visitors often describe the shrine as having an elegant and clean environment with a serene atmosphere. Reddit

It can be busy, especially during the Inuyama Festival in April. On regular days, it's generally less crowded, particularly if you visit outside of peak tourist times. Instagram+1

The shrine is listed in the Engi-Shiki and is considered one of the Five Owari Shrines, enshrining the local deity of the Nobi region. It was relocated to its current site in 1882. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Haritsuna Shrine and its adjacent Inuyama Castle offer a family-friendly outing. The shrine grounds are spacious enough for children to explore, and the historical context of the castle can be engaging for younger visitors. Instagram Consider visiting during the Inuyama Festival for a more lively experience, though be prepared for crowds. Instagram

When visiting, focus on the visual aspects of the shrine and the castle's architecture. The good-luck charms for childbirth and safety might be of interest to parents or expectant mothers. Reddit Pack comfortable shoes as there will be walking involved, especially if you plan to climb Inuyama Castle. Reddit

🌸 Culture Enthusiasts

For those interested in Japanese culture, Haritsuna Shrine and the Inuyama Festival are must-sees. The festival is a significant cultural event, showcasing traditional floats and music. Instagram+1 The shrine's historical listing in the Engi-Shiki and its status as one of the Five Owari Shrines highlight its deep roots in regional history. Reddit

Engage with the spiritual aspects by learning about the shrine's patrons and perhaps purchasing a charm. Reddit Visiting during the spring, especially when the cherry blossoms are in bloom, adds an extra layer of aesthetic appreciation to the cultural experience. Reddit

📸 Photographers

Haritsuna Shrine offers a serene setting for photography, with its elegant architecture and tranquil grounds. Reddit However, for more dramatic and expansive shots, combine your visit with Inuyama Castle. The castle provides elevated viewpoints for capturing the surrounding city, river, and mountains. Reddit

The Inuyama Festival presents unique photographic opportunities, especially the illuminated floats at night. Instagram Consider bringing a tripod for low-light photography during the festival. While the shrine itself is beautiful, the juxtaposition of the shrine with the castle in the background often yields the most compelling images. Instagram+1

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Inuyama Festival: A Cultural Spectacle

The Inuyama Festival is a cornerstone of the Haritsuna Shrine experience, recognized as a national intangible folk cultural property. Held annually on the first weekend of April, this event dates back to 1635 and is a vibrant display of local tradition. The highlight is the parade of 13 magnificent three-layered floats, each standing 25 feet tall, accompanied by the sounds of Japanese flutes and drums. Instagram+1

During the evening, these floats are illuminated by 365 paper lanterns, creating a truly magical and dazzling sight. Instagram This festival is particularly enchanting when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom, adding a layer of natural beauty to the festivities. Reddit Visitors looking for an authentic cultural immersion should aim to visit during this period. Instagram

Haritsuna Shrine's Spiritual Significance

Haritsuna Shrine is more than just a picturesque location; it holds specific spiritual significance for visitors. It is particularly revered for prayers related to having children and ensuring safety during childbirth. Reddit Many visitors purchase good-luck charms, available in pink and blue, to take with them. Reddit

Historically, Haritsuna Shrine is listed in the ancient Engi-Shiki and is counted among the Five Owari Shrines, venerating the local deity of the Nobi region. Reddit The shrine was relocated to its present site in 1882, maintaining its role as a spiritual center for the community. Reddit The shrine's elegant and clean environment contributes to its peaceful and respectful atmosphere. Reddit

Combining Haritsuna Shrine with Inuyama Castle

A visit to Haritsuna Shrine is often seamlessly integrated with an exploration of Inuyama Castle, one of Japan's oldest surviving original castles. The shrine is conveniently located at the castle's base, making it a natural starting or ending point for your visit. InstagramReddit

Many travelers find it efficient to dedicate a block of time to experience both attractions. You can ascend to the castle for panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, including the Kiso River, and then descend to pay your respects at Haritsuna Shrine. Reddit While the shrine offers pleasant views, the vantage points from Inuyama Castle are generally considered superior for photography. Reddit This combination offers a rich historical and cultural experience within a compact area. Instagram

You may also like