The White Hare of Inaba: Japan’s Myth of Love and Healing
Japan is a country deeply woven with threads of mythology, where ancient spirits inhabit the mountains, rivers, and coastlines. Among the thousands of legends recorded in the nation’s oldest chronicles, few are as beloved or as geographically significant as the story of the White Hare of Inaba (Inaba no Shiro Usagi). Located in what is now the Tottori Prefecture, this tale is not just a bedtime story; it is a foundational myth that explores themes of cruelty, kindness, and divine retribution, serving as the origin story for one of Shinto’s most important deities.
Whether you are a folklore enthusiast or a traveler planning a visit to the scenic San’in region, understanding the plight of this little white rabbit adds a profound layer of cultural depth to the landscape.
Origins of the Myth
The story of the White Hare of Inaba is one of the earliest recorded legends in Japanese history. It appears in the Kojiki (Records of Ancient Matters), compiled in 712 AD. The Kojiki is a collection of myths concerning the origin of the four home islands of Japan and the Kami (spirits/gods) who inhabit them.
This specific legend serves a pivotal role in the narrative arc of Okuninushi-no-Mikoto, a major earth deity known as the god of nation-building, agriculture, medicine, and business. Before he became a great ruler, he was a kind-hearted young god overshadowed by his eighty ambitious and cruel brothers. The encounter with the hare was the catalyst that proved his worthiness to rule and eventually marry the beautiful Princess Yakami.
The Legend: A Trick Gone Wrong
According to the Kojiki, the story begins on the Oki Islands. A white hare wished to cross the sea to reach Cape Keta in the province of Inaba (modern-day Tottori). However, the hare could not swim. Being a creature of wit rather than strength, he devised a plan.
The hare called out to the “Wani”—creatures often interpreted as sharks or mythical crocodiles—and challenged them to a contest to see whose clan was larger. He asked the Wani to line up back-to-back across the sea so he could count them. The Wani agreed, forming a bridge of snapping jaws and rough skin. The hare hopped across their backs, counting aloud as he went.
Just as he was about to step onto the safety of the shore, the hare’s arrogance got the better of him. He laughed and taunted the Wani, admitting, “You fools, I tricked you just to get across!” Enraged, the last Wani snapped at the hare, ripping off his fur and leaving him skinned and weeping in agony on the beach.
The Cruelty of the Eighty Deities
Soon after, eighty deities (Okuninushi’s brothers) arrived on their way to woo Princess Yakami. Seeing the skinned hare, they cruelly advised him to wash in the salty seawater and dry off in the wind. This only caused the salt to sting and the skin to crack, leaving the hare writhing in pain.
The Kindness of Okuninushi
Finally, Okuninushi arrived, lagging behind as he carried his brothers’ heavy baggage. Seeing the weeping creature, he asked what happened. Upon hearing the story, he instructed the hare to wash in the fresh water of the river and roll in the pollen of the cattails (gamanoho) to heal his skin.
The hare did so and was fully restored. In gratitude, the hare made a prophecy: “Your brothers shall never win the heart of Princess Yakami. It is you she will choose.” The prophecy came true, and Okuninushi began his ascent to becoming a major deity.
Modern Culture and Significance
Today, the White Hare of Inaba is a ubiquitous symbol in Tottori Prefecture. The myth has transformed the hare into a deity of En-musubi (marriage tie-making) and medical healing.
Hakuto Shrine
The epicenter of this legend is the Hakuto Shrine (Hakuto-jinja). Located along the scenic coast where the myth allegedly took place, this shrine is dedicated to the spirit of the white hare. It is a popular destination for couples seeking good fortune in their relationships and for those praying for the cure of skin ailments.
Inside the shrine grounds, visitors will find stone statues of rabbits in various poses. It is customary to place white stones engraved with the character for “affinity” or “tie” (musubi) onto these statues for good luck.
The Wani Debate
Culturally, the story also sparks linguistic debate. The text refers to “Wani,” which translates to crocodile in modern Japanese. However, crocodiles are not native to Japan. Historians and biologists often argue that “Wani” referred to sharks in the ancient dialect of the region, leading to the depiction of sharks in most modern artistic retellings of the myth.
Traveler’s Tips: Visiting the Myth
If you are traveling to the San’in region, visiting the sites associated with this legend provides a serene and spiritual experience.
- Location: Hakuto Shrine is located just outside Tottori City. It sits directly across from the Hakuto Coast.
- Access: Take a bus from Tottori Station bound for Shikano and get off at the Hakuto Jinja-mae stop (approx. 40 minutes).
- What to See:
- The Mitarashi Pool: A pond near the shrine that is said to be the very spot where the hare washed his wounds with fresh water. Surprisingly, the water remains fresh despite being right next to the ocean.
- Hakuto Coast: From the shrine, you can look out at the rock formations in the sea, which some say resemble the backs of the sharks.
- Souvenirs: Look for “Inaba no Shiro Usagi” manju (steamed cakes). They are shaped like rabbits and are one of the most famous food souvenirs in the prefecture.
Sources & Further Reading
To dive deeper into the ancient texts that preserve these stories, consider exploring the following:
- The Kojiki (Records of Ancient Matters): Translated by Basil Hall Chamberlain or Donald L. Philippi. This is the primary source of the myth.
- The Nihon Shoki (The Chronicles of Japan): While the hare story is most detailed in the Kojiki, the Nihon Shoki provides broader context on the Age of the Gods.
- Tottori Prefecture Official Tourism Guide: For modern logistical information on visiting Hakuto Shrine.