Zenkaku Inari Shrine Main Hall: A Hidden Architectural Treasure in Okayama's Sacred Mountains

Nestled within the sacred grounds of Kiyama Shrine in Maniwa City, Okayama Prefecture, the Zenkaku Inari Shrine Main Hall (善覚稲荷神社本殿) stands as a remarkable testament to early 20th-century Japanese shrine architecture. This exquisite structure, designed by the renowned architect Egawa Saburohachi, has been designated as a Nationally Registered Tangible Cultural Property, drawing visitors who seek to discover Japan's lesser-known architectural treasures beyond the usual tourist routes.

A Legacy of the "Egawa-Style" Architecture

The Zenkaku Inari Shrine Main Hall was constructed in 1919 (Taisho 8) under the design supervision of Egawa Saburohachi (1860-1939), one of the most influential architectural engineers of the Meiji and Taisho periods. Born in Aizu Wakamatsu, Fukushima Prefecture, as the son of a samurai, Egawa trained as a palace carpenter before becoming a government building engineer. After serving 15 years in Fukushima Prefecture, he transferred to Okayama Prefecture in 1902, where he left an indelible mark on the regional architectural landscape.

Egawa developed a distinctive architectural approach that came to be known as "Egawa-style" (江川式建築), characterized by the innovative fusion of traditional Japanese craftsmanship with Western structural techniques. His works, including the former Senkyo Elementary School (now a National Important Cultural Property), demonstrate his mastery of creating harmonious buildings that honor both heritage and innovation.

Why It Was Designated as a Cultural Property

The Zenkaku Inari Shrine Main Hall received its designation as a Nationally Registered Tangible Cultural Property on October 27, 2017. This recognition acknowledges several distinctive architectural features that make it an exemplary representation of Egawa's design philosophy.

The structure measures 4.0 meters in width (桁行) and 3.2 meters in depth (梁間), featuring a kirizuma-zukuri (切妻造) gabled roof covered with copper plates. The building employs a hirai-ri (平入) entrance style, with an engawa veranda encircling all four sides.

What sets this shrine apart is its sophisticated construction technique: the walls are double-layered, with round columns on the exterior and square columns on the interior. The ceiling features an elegant gōtenjō (格天井) coffered design that adds depth and visual interest to the sacred space.

Perhaps most distinctive is the fukiyose-taruki (吹寄垂木) grouped rafter design under the eaves, a signature element that connects this building to other structures on the shrine grounds and exemplifies Egawa's attention to creating architectural harmony throughout a complex.

Highlights and Attractions

The Zenkaku Inari Shrine is dedicated to the deity Inari, brought from Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto. According to shrine records, it was established by a mountain ascetic named Oyama Zenkakubō, from whom the shrine takes its name. The shrine is associated with prosperity, success in business, and good fortune.

The Surrounding Area

The Zenkaku Inari Shrine is located within the broader Kiyama Shrine complex, which has a history spanning over 1,200 years. The main deity enshrined at Kiyama Shrine is Susanoo-no-Mikoto, and the shrine has long been revered for blessings related to livestock protection, bountiful harvests, and commercial prosperity.

The shrine grounds also include a Tenmangu dedicated to the deity of learning, Sugawara no Michizane, making it popular with students seeking success in examinations.

For those wishing to explore further, the region offers several attractions worth visiting.