Tsuma Shrine Sub-shrine Inari Shrine: A Registered Tangible Cultural Property in Osaki, Kagoshima
Nestled within the sacred grounds of Tsuma Shrine (都萬神社) in Osaki Town, Kagoshima Prefecture, the Sub-shrine Inari Shrine (末社稲荷神社) stands as a quiet yet compelling testament to the deep-rooted spiritual traditions of southern Kyushu. Registered as a national Registered Tangible Cultural Property in 2009, this Taisho-era wooden shrine building invites visitors to discover a place where the worship of Inari — the deity of harvests, prosperity, and good fortune — is interwoven with centuries of local history and reverence.
The History of Tsuma Shrine and Its Sub-shrines
Tsuma Shrine is one of the five shrines collectively known as the "Hyuga Gosha Daimyojin" (日向五社大明神), which were established one in each of the five districts of the ancient Hyuga Province. The Osaki Town branch has served as the ichinomiya — the highest-ranking shrine — of the region since antiquity. Until the early Meiji period, this area belonged to Morokata District of Hyuga Province, a connection that still resonates in the shrine's heritage today.
The shrine was originally located in the Harada district of Shibushi (present-day Ariake Town) before being relocated to its current hilltop site on November 3, 1540 (Tenbun 9). The present shrine complex, including the main hall, worship hall, and sub-shrines such as Ise-no-Miya and Inari Shrine, was rebuilt in 1916 (Taisho 5), creating a harmonious ensemble of early twentieth-century Shinto architecture.
The Inari sub-shrine was built as part of this comprehensive reconstruction and stands within the precinct alongside the other registered buildings. Together, the main hall, worship hall, and four sub-shrine structures were designated as national Registered Tangible Cultural Properties on November 2, 2009, in recognition of their architectural and historical significance.
Why It Was Designated as a Cultural Property
The Tsuma Shrine complex, including the Inari sub-shrine, was registered as a Tangible Cultural Property under the Cultural Properties Protection Act. Japan's registration system was established in 1996 to preserve a wide variety of modern and pre-modern structures that might otherwise be lost due to urban development and changing lifestyles. Unlike the stricter designation system for Important Cultural Properties, registration offers a more flexible framework that encourages preservation while allowing owners to maintain and utilize the buildings.
The Inari sub-shrine was recognized for several reasons. As a Taisho-era wooden shrine building, it represents the traditional construction techniques of early twentieth-century Shinto architecture in the Osumi region of southern Kyushu. The building is a single-story wooden structure with a copper-sheet roof (doban-buki), reflecting the careful craftsmanship characteristic of shrine architecture of the period. Its presence as part of the larger Tsuma Shrine complex adds to the cohesive historical landscape of this important religious site.
Highlights and What to See
The Inari Sub-shrine Building
The Inari sub-shrine is a modest yet elegant wooden structure that embodies the traditional aesthetics of Shinto architecture. Its copper-plated roof gleams softly under the dappled sunlight filtering through the surrounding trees. As a shrine dedicated to Inari, the deity of rice harvests, commerce, and prosperity, visitors may notice fox (kitsune) motifs or guardian fox statues, as these are the traditional messengers of Inari.
The Main Hall with Zodiac Carvings
The main hall of Tsuma Shrine features a stunning array of kaerumata (frog-leg brackets) adorned with relief carvings of the twelve animals of the Chinese zodiac. This decorative program is remarkable in its completeness and artistic quality, offering visitors a visual delight as they examine each zodiac animal rendered in wood.
The Bronze Mirror — A National Important Cultural Property
Among the shrine's most prized possessions is the bronze mirror known as "Magaki ni Kiku Sojaku Monyo Kyo" (籬に菊双雀文様鏡), designated as a national Important Cultural Property. This exquisite mirror features a design of chrysanthemums and paired sparrows against a bamboo fence pattern, representing the finest metalworking artistry of its era.
The Revived Sacred Dance (Kagura)
The sacred kagura dance of Tsuma Shrine, which had been lost during the turmoil of World War II, was lovingly revived by local residents in 2010. During the autumn festival held in late October, visitors may have the opportunity to witness this traditional performing art, which connects the community to its deep spiritual roots.
The Enshrined Deities
The main Tsuma Shrine enshrines Konohanasakuyahime no Mikoto (木花開耶姫命), the goddess of blossoming and beauty, and Tachinobenomikoto (立述主命). Konohanasakuyahime is revered as the consort of Ninigi no Mikoto, and her name is the origin of the shrine's name "Tsuma" (meaning "wife" or "spouse"). She is widely venerated as a deity of safe childbirth and is also associated with legends of Kaguya-hime, the princess of the bamboo tale.
The Inari sub-shrine, meanwhile, is dedicated to Inari Okami, the greatly revered deity of rice cultivation, agriculture, commerce, and general prosperity. Inari worship has been one of the most widespread forms of Shinto devotion throughout Japanese history, and the presence of an Inari sub-shrine within the Tsuma Shrine complex reflects the agricultural importance of the Osaki region.
Surrounding Area and Nearby Attractions
Osaki Town sits on the Osumi Peninsula in southern Kagoshima Prefecture, an area blessed with fertile agricultural land and a stunning coastline along Shibushi Bay. The town is renowned as Japan's top recycling municipality, having held the number one recycling rate in the country for over twelve consecutive years.
Visitors exploring the area around Tsuma Shrine will find several other notable attractions. The Yokose Ancient Burial Mound (横瀬古墳), a national Historic Site and the second-largest keyhole-shaped burial mound in Kagoshima Prefecture, offers a glimpse into the region's ancient past. The Kunino Matsubara pine forest stretches along the coast, providing a scenic setting for walks. The Osaki coastline is also a nesting site for sea turtles, and the Michi no Eki Nokata Arasano roadside station offers local products and refreshments.
For those interested in exploring further, the nearby city of Shibushi provides additional cultural and historical attractions, and the wider Osumi Peninsula offers hot springs, hiking trails, and access to some of Kagoshima's most unspoiled natural landscapes.
How to Get There
Osaki Town does not have a railway station within its boundaries. The nearest station is JR Shibushi Station on the Nichinan Line. From Shibushi, local bus services connect to Osaki Town, with the shrine located approximately a five-minute walk from the Osaki Kamimachi bus stop or about a twelve-minute walk from Osaki Town Hall. By car, the shrine is accessible in approximately five minutes from the Osaki Interchange on the Higashi Kyushu Expressway. The nearest airports are Kagoshima Airport and Miyazaki Airport.
- 📍 Plan Your Visit to Kagoshima
- Find tours, activities & transport passes near Inari Shrine, a Branch Shrine of Tsuman Shrine
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Q＆A
- Is there an admission fee to visit Tsuma Shrine and the Inari sub-shrine?
- No, there is no admission fee. The shrine grounds are open to visitors free of charge throughout the year.
- Can I see the Important Cultural Property bronze mirror on display?
- The bronze mirror and other treasures are carefully preserved and may not always be on public display. It is recommended to contact the Osaki Town Board of Education (Social Education Division) at 099-476-1111 in advance to inquire about viewing opportunities.
- What is the best time of year to visit?
- The shrine can be enjoyed year-round. The autumn festival in late October features traditional kagura dance performances. Many local residents also visit at New Year's after watching the first sunrise of the year, making early January a lively time as well.
- Is there English signage or information available at the shrine?
- As a rural shrine in a small town, English signage may be limited. Preparing some basic information before your visit is recommended. The shrine grounds are compact and easy to navigate even without signage.
- What other registered cultural properties can I see at Tsuma Shrine?
- In addition to the Inari sub-shrine, the Tsuma Shrine complex includes the main hall (honden), the worship hall (haiden), and the Ise-no-Miya sub-shrine, all registered as Tangible Cultural Properties. Together, these buildings form a cohesive and well-preserved shrine ensemble from the Taisho era.
Basic Information
| Name | Tsuma Shrine Sub-shrine Inari Shrine (都萬神社末社稲荷神社) |
|---|---|
| Reading | Tsuma Jinja Massha Inari Jinja |
| Cultural Property Category | National Registered Tangible Cultural Property (Building) |
| Registration Date | November 2, 2009 |
| Year of Construction | 1916 (Taisho 5) |
| Structure | Wooden single-story building with copper-sheet roof |
| Enshrined Deity | Inari Okami (God of harvests and prosperity) |
| Address | 1589 Kashuku, Nishisako, Osaki Town, So District, Kagoshima Prefecture |
| Access | Approximately 5 minutes by car from Osaki IC on the Higashi Kyushu Expressway; about 5 minutes walk from Osaki Kamimachi bus stop |
| Admission | Free |
| Contact | Osaki Town Board of Education, Social Education Division: 099-476-1111 |
References
- Kagoshima Prefecture Tourism Site — Tsuma (Tsumaman) Shrine
- https://www.kagoshima-kankou.com/guide/51472
- Kagoshima Cultural Properties Encyclopedia — Tsuma Shrine Main Hall
- https://k-bunkazai-school.com/cultural/f-q-60084/
- Kagoshima Cultural Properties Encyclopedia — Tsuma Shrine Sub-shrine Ise-no-Miya
- https://k-bunkazai-school.com/cultural/f-q-60086/
- Kagoshima Shrine Association — Tsuma Shrine
- https://www.kagojinjacho.or.jp/shrine-search/area-oosumi/%E5%A4%A7%E5%B4%8E%E7%94%BA/933/
- Cultural Heritage Online — Tsuma Shrine Main Hall
- https://bunka.nii.ac.jp/heritages/detail/174165
- Osaki Town Official Website — Designated Cultural Properties
- https://www.town.kagoshima-osaki.lg.jp/kh_bunkakouminkan/kyoiku-bunka/bunka/bunkazai/maizo.html
- Japan National Tourism Organization — Nihon Kankou Navi — Tsuma Shrine
- https://www.nihon-kankou.or.jp/kagoshima/464686/detail/46468ag2130130884
Last verified: 2026.03.02