Sanko Shrine is a local Inari shrine in Gifu Prefecture dedicated to fox deities. The name 'Sanko' meaning 'three foxes' reflects the shrine's focus on fox spirits as messengers of Inari, the Shinto deity of rice, prosperity, and business success.
- Denomination
- Inari
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Fox deities and Inari Okami
- Kami enshrined
- Inari Okami
- Coordinates
- 35.1437733, 136.8445365
Visitor tip
Look for fox statues or imagery around the shrine grounds, which are traditional at Inari shrines.
Cultural notes
Fox shrines like Sanko hold special significance in Japanese folk religion, where foxes are believed to be intelligent messengers of Inari and can bring good fortune to worshippers, particularly in matters of agriculture and commerce.