Feel the History and Festivals at Haritsuna Shrine at the Foot of Inuyama Castle

Haritsuna Shrine (Haritsuna Jinja), located in Inuyama City, Aichi Prefecture, is a historic shrine situated right next to the National Treasure, Inuyama Castle. While the exact date of its founding is unknown, the shrine boasts a history of over 1,000 years and is said to have originally been located on the castle hill of Inuyama Castle. After several relocations since 1537, it was moved to its current location in 1882. The main deity enshrined here is Owari Harinanemuraji no Mikoto, who is believed to grant blessings for safe childbirth, warding off evil, traffic safety, and fertility. Haritsuna Shrine is also listed in the Engishiki Jinmyocho, a historical record of shrines, and has long been revered as the regional guardian shrine of the Nobi area. The shrine's annual festival, the Inuyama Festival, takes place on the first Saturday and Sunday of April each year. During the festival, 13 floats (known as "yama") parade through the city. This event was designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property by the Japanese government in 2006 and was registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2016. The nighttime float procession, "Yoyama," is particularly enchanting, as the floats are illuminated by lanterns and surrounded by blooming cherry blossoms, creating a magical atmosphere. Haritsuna Shrine is accessible by a 15-minute walk from either Inuyama-Yuen Station or Inuyama Station on the Meitetsu Inuyama Line. As you head toward Inuyama Castle, you will see the shrine's torii gate. While the shrine offers a parking lot for visitors, it tends to get crowded on weekends and holidays, so using public transportation is recommended. Why not visit Haritsuna Shrine along with your trip to Inuyama Castle? You can enjoy a tranquil moment in the serene shrine grounds, immersing yourself in history and tradition.