About the Building
The Inari Shrine in the Shoda Shoyu Grounds (正田醤油地内稲荷神社) is a single-storey timber Inari shrine of the late Edo period, moved in 2002, on the grounds of Shoda Shoyu at Sakae-cho, Tatebayashi City, Gunma Prefecture, and was registered as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property (structure) on February 17, 2004 (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
The Agency for Cultural Affairs records it as timber, single storey, tiled roof, building area 22 square metres, registration number 10-0111.
Shoda Shoyu and the Building
According to Shoda Shoyu, the Shoda family ran the rice dealership Yonebun from the Edo period, and the third Shoda Bun'emon turned the business to soy sauce brewing in 1873.
The Agency for Cultural Affairs notes that it stands south of No. 8 and, though enclosed within the brewery grounds, is still loved by neighbours as the local Inari shrine.
Value as a Registered Cultural Property
The Inari Shrine in the Shoda Shoyu Grounds was registered as a structure contributing to the historic landscape of the country. As a local shrine kept within a brewery, it shows industry and community faith side by side (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
What to Look For
The Agency for Cultural Affairs describes a three-by-two-bay gabled sanctuary entered from the gable end, with a three-by-two-bay gabled worship hall in front, entered from the side under a canopy.
Visiting
The Inari Shrine in the Shoda Shoyu Grounds is within the Shoda Shoyu grounds at 3-1 Sakae-cho, Tatebayashi. It lies within the brewery grounds, and public access has not been confirmed, so contact Shoda Shoyu before visiting.
According to Shoda Shoyu, the Shoda Memorial Hall can be visited free of charge from 10:00 to 16:00 on company working days (closed weekends, holidays, summer break and New Year); groups of ten or more must book. Factory tours are currently suspended. It is a 2-minute walk from the west exit of Tatebayashi Station on the Tobu Isesaki Line. See the group page Shoda Shoyu (Tatebayashi) for all six registered buildings.
- 📍 Plan Your Visit to Gunma
- Find tours, activities & transport passes near Inari Shrine in the Shoda Shoyu Grounds
- [ Kusatsu Onsen & Tomioka Silk Mill Heritage Tours ]
Q&A
- When was it built?
- In the late Edo period (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
- Where is it?
- Within the grounds of Shoda Shoyu at Sakae-cho, Tatebayashi (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
- How is the shrine laid out?
- A gable-entered sanctuary with a side-entered worship hall and canopy in front (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
- When did Shoda Shoyu begin brewing?
- In 1873, when the rice-dealing Shoda family turned to soy sauce (Shoda Shoyu).
- When was the Inari Shrine in the Shoda Shoyu Grounds registered?
- On February 17, 2004.
Basic Information
| Name | Inari Shrine in the Shoda Shoyu Grounds (正田醤油地内稲荷神社) |
|---|---|
| Location | 3-1 Sakae-cho, Tatebayashi City, Gunma Prefecture |
| Designation | Registered Tangible Cultural Property (Structure) |
| Year Designated | Registered 2004/02/17 (Heisei 16) |
| Quantity | 1 building |
| Dimensions | Timber, single storey, tiled roof, building area 22 square metres |
| Owner | Shoda Shoyu Co. |
| Public Access | Within the brewery grounds; interior not open |
References
- Inari Shrine in the Shoda Shoyu Grounds (Database of National Cultural Properties, Agency for Cultural Affairs)
- https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/heritage/detail/101/00003813
- Shoda Shoyu Shoda Memorial Hall (Database of National Cultural Properties)
- https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/heritage/detail/101/00003808
- Shoda Shoyu Archive Storehouse (Database of National Cultural Properties)
- https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/heritage/detail/101/00003809
- Shoda Memorial Hall Visits (Shoda Shoyu)
- https://www.shoda.co.jp/facility/kinenkan
- Shoda Shoyu Shoda Memorial Hall (Japan Heritage Portal)
- https://japan-heritage.bunka.go.jp/ja/culturalproperties/result/4182/
Last verified: 2026.10.11
