Yuga Shrine (Minami-ku, Okayama)

In detail

These neighboring shrines in the northern part of the garden were worshipped by the daimyo lords of the Ikeda family. Yuga Shrine was relocated in 1872 from the Ikeda residence in Tokyo, while Nishino Inari Shrine has been on the grounds since 1786. The former is a branch shrine of Yuga Daigongen. Yuga Daigongen Shrine, located on nearby Mt. Yuga in Okayama’s Kurashiki area, is known for its syncretistic Buddhist-Shinto tradition devoted to protection against evil and bad luck. Yuga Daigongen was regularly frequented by the lords of Okayama who succeeded Ikeda Tsunamasa (1638–1714). The branch shrine was built at the Ikeda family’s Edo (now Tokyo) residence in 1840. Beyond the stone torii gate are two small structures, the worship hall in front and the main sanctuary, covered with a cypress bark roof, behind it.

Built during the tenure of Ikeda lord Harumasa (1750–1818), Nishino Inari Shrine has been in the garden since the days when the daimyo lords would regularly visit the garden. During the tenure of Ikeda Narimasa (1773–1833), a festival was held to which residents of the castle town were invited. The garden was decorated with ornaments and people were allowed to enter and visit the Inari Shrine. It is believed that tens of thousands of people joined the festivities.