Located in the heart of Tokyo, below town Inari Shrine is a Shinto temple dedicated to the god of rice and fertility. The shrine's name, 'Inari' is derived from the kanji character , which means 'rice.' As one of the most famous shrines in Japan, it attracts millions of visitors each year.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Inari
- Kami enshrined
- Inari
- Coordinates
- 35.516252, 139.6825847
Visitor tip
Visit the shrine's main hall early in the morning to avoid crowds and take advantage of a peaceful experience. Also, bring some rice balls as an offering, which are traditionally given to the shrine's torii gate.
Cultural notes
Inari is often depicted as a fox spirit (Kitsune) with multiple tails, symbolizing abundance and prosperity. The shrine is also known for its thousands of vermilion torii gates that form a tunnel up the mountain, representing the connection between heaven and earth.
Historical note
Founded during the Edo period (1603-1867),