Sep 30, 2018 - 2 min read

Tokyo’s Anamori-Inari Shrine

Good fortune awaits those who come

Community writer

1 of 7

Anamori Inari Shrine Station is conveniently located on the Kehin Kyuko (Keikyu Line), an easy commute from either Yokohama or Shinagawa

Immediately after leaving this station, you will see this cute fox statue, nicknamed “Kon-chan”. Although the Japanese word for fox is usually “Kitsune”, this is a special fox, believed to possess special power that can protect the area in which it is located

After walking along the main shopping street for several moments, be sure to look towards the left, along the side-streets where you will see this distinctive red ‘tori’ or gate. This gate marks the entrance to Anamori-Inari Shrine

Once inside the grounds of this Shrine you will notice many small stone monuments. In Japanese these are called “Oyashiro”, meaning small places of worship

Situated to the right of the inner shrine (main building), I finally came face to face with some Inari, (White-foxes)

Although the simple translation for fox is “kitsune”, “inari” means a special white fox which, according to the Shinto Religion is believed to be a messenger from of the gods. Generally speaking, ‘Inari’ are usually worshipped (among other things), as the god of rice and cultivation

As you look towards the right of the main shrine, you will see a trail of red ‘tori’, similar to those of Kyoto’s world famous Fushimi Inari Shrine

Do you like money?

This may sound like a rather daft question but anyone interested in acquiring extra wealth and more good fortune should head on down to Tokyo’s Anamori-Inari Shrine.

Tucked away discretely within a quiet residential neighborhood, barely 2 Kilometers away from Haneda Airport, this shrine is famous for blessing visitors with money and wealth plus a load of other good things.

Although originally built on the site of what is now Haneda Airport, Anamori-Inari-Jinja was moved to its present location in 1945 and retains the distinction of being the only shrine dedicated to protecting Haneda Airport

Immediately upon entering Shrine, you will notice many red ‘tori’, (gates) and stone monuments depicting various representations ‘inari’ (white foxes). Towards the center of this complex is the inner shrine or “Oku no Miya”, which contains special sand believed to bless visitors with good fortune. Interestingly, this shrine is also home to many little “Oyashiro” or miniature places of worship where you can pray for success in exams or tournaments.

Hence, in referring back to my original question; if you like money or want good fortune, then this is definitely the place to come!

Situated on the Keihin Kyuko (Keikyu line), located just 2 stops away from Haneda Airport, Anamori Inari Jinja Station is the closest station to this Shrine. As you exit this station, turn left and walk along the main shopping street for several minutes, looking out towards your left until you notice the shrine’s entrance. This is marked by a large red ‘tori’ gate situated along a side street .