Nanten inari
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南天稲荷

Nanten inari

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Shrine · Sasaguri

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A shrine dedicated to Nandina, believed to transform hardship into blessing. Located at the top of 108 stone steps that dispel earthly desires.

Inari has long been revered as the deity of agriculture, blessing harvests and abundant crops, but today is widely embraced as a god who brings fortune and prosperity to all.

Because nanten trees grew abundantly in this area, the shrine was named "Nanten Inari" after a wordplay on the plants' name—"nan" (difficulty) transforms into "ten" (fortune), suggesting that hardships turn to blessings.

To pay respects, visitors must climb 108 stone steps, believed to cleanse the 108 worldly desires and impurities of the human heart. With each step, worshippers purify their minds and spirit, and upon reaching the top, they can offer prayers at Nanten Inari, where difficulties are transformed into good fortune.

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