[Nagano] One of the top five Inari shrines in Japan! Hanagaoka Inari Shrine

About 30 minutes by car from Karuizawa 🚗 I went to visit Hanagao Inari Shrine, one of the top 5 Inari shrines in Japan! It is said that this shrine was built to enshrine a branch of the deity from the famous Kyoto Fushimi Inari Shrine, and there were many red torii gates ⛩️ It was New Year's Day, so most people were there for the first visit of the year, but some people were also praying for protection from evil. Fried tofu was offered at the Inari shrine 🥹 It seems that a festival called "Hatsuuma Festival" is held every year on February 11th, and many people come to buy daruma dolls! It is one of the shrines I would like to visit again if I go on a trip to Karuizawa 🫶 ⛩️: Hanagao Inari Shrine 📍: 4261 Hanagao, Iwamurata, Saku City, Nagano Prefecture #Seasonal places in Japan #Shrine #Shrine tour