楢姫稲荷神社 is a Shinto shrine located in the town of Tokorozawa, Saitama Prefecture, dedicated to Inari Okami, the Shinto god of rice, fertility, and prosperity. The shrine's name reflects its strong association with the rice harvest and the mythical queen Hirame, who is said to have been transformed into a deer by her lover, the sun goddess Amaterasu. The shrine is famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates and its impressive collection of Inari dolls, known as ' fox shrine' due to their striking depiction of Kitsune, the Shinto fox spirit associated with Inari.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Inari
- Kami enshrined
- Inari, Kitsune
- Coordinates
- 35.8994553, 139.6313227
Visitor tip
To fully appreciate the shrine's beauty, visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the crowds and enjoy the soft golden light on the torii gates.
Cultural notes
This shrine is famous for its fox shrine, a unique architectural feature where Inari dolls are hung from wooden beams. According to legend, if you tie your wish to a red thread and hang it from the beam, it will be granted. The shrine also hosts an annual autumn festival to honor Inari Okami.
Historical note
The current main hall was rebuilt in 1664 during the Edo period.