Spatial Structure of Japanese Religion - Geography of Religion in Japan: Religious Space, Landscape, and Behavior - page 38

Fig. 3.1 Location of Kasama
Inari Shrine

Previous research relied on the Japan Folklore Map and historical research into the
folklore of particular municipalities to identify the distribution of ko and branch
shrines ( massha ). These data allow us to defi ne the area of belief. However, we need
to obtain the information directly from the relevant religious groups to identify the
distribution status of the believers.
In this chapter, I apply the concentric circle model of the area of belief mutatis
mutandis , and consider if regional classifi cations of belief are possible for religions
other than mountain religions. This will show similarities and differences of regional
beliefs compared with mountain religions.

3.1.2 Festive Events of Kasama Inari and Kasama Inari Belief

The Inari belief is estimated to have about 30,000 shrines and eight million believers
in Japan. Although there are many believers and varieties, individual beliefs have