The “Shinto Shrines” section of the Tokyo Shitamachi Guide introduces various shrines in Tokyo’s Shitamachi area, located along and east of the Sumida River. Each article highlights a must-visit shrine to enhance your Tokyo sightseeing experience.
This article features Hikan Inari Shrine, a Shinto shrine located in the Asakusa area of Taito City.
Hikan Inari Shrine is a small, hidden shrine within the grounds of Asakusa Shrine. It’s tucked behind Asakusa Shrine’s main hall, so it’s easy to miss unless you know where to look.
At this shrine, visitors make their wishes by offering small clay fox figurines called Osugata. Next to the main hall, you can see many of these figurines left by worshippers, reflecting the deep faith people have in this shrine.
In this article, we’ll cover:
- History
- Deities enshrined
- Highlights
- Access
- And more!
By the end, you’ll have a deeper understanding of Hikan Inari Shrine. Be sure to refer to it when planning your visit!
History
According to Asakusa Shrine, which oversees Hikan Inari Shrine, the history of Hikan Inari Shrine dates back to the 19th century.
During that time, a man named Shinmon Tatsugoro, the leader of the Asakusa fire brigade, faced a personal crisis.
In 1854, Tatsugoro’s wife fell gravely ill. Desperate for her recovery, he prayed at Fushimi Inari Taisha in Kyoto, the head shrine of all Inari shrines in Japan.
His prayers were answered, and his wife made a full recovery. Grateful for the deity’s blessing, Tatsugoro enshrined the spirit of Fushimi Inari Taisha in Asakusa in 1855.
This marked the beginning of Hikan Inari Shrine.
Deities Enshrined
Ukanomitama
Hikan Inari Shrine is home to Ukanomitama, the Shinto deity of grain, agriculture, and the performing arts. This deity is also known as Inari Okami, the Shinto deity of grain and harvest.
Ukanomitama’s main blessings include:
- Good harvest
- Business success
- Household safety
- Improvement in performing arts
- And more
Highlights
The Main Building
The main building of Hikan Inari Shrine is a very small structure with a unique architectural style called Ikkensha-Nagare-Zukuri. This style features two front pillars and a beautifully curved roof.
This building has stood since it was first built in 1855. It’s a precious structure because it survived the Great Kanto Earthquake in 1923 and the Bombing of Tokyo in 1945.
Koma-Kitsune (Guardian Foxes)
Hikan Inari Shrine enshrines Inari Okami (Ukanomitama no Mikoto), the deity of rice and agriculture. Foxes are considered the messengers of this deity, which is why the shrine has many fox statues, known as Koma-Kitsune, dedicated to it.
Asakusa, where Hikan Inari Shrine is located, has been a hub for kabuki and performing arts since ancient times. One of Inari Okami’s blessings is the enhancement of performing arts.
Because of this, kabuki actors and other entertainers have long held deep faith in Hikan Inari Shrine. Their devotion is evident in the numerous Koma-Kitsune statues they have dedicated to the shrine.
Another noteworthy feature is the plaque on the third torii gate of Hikan Inari Shrine. This plaque includes a fox motif, so be sure to look out for it when you visit.
Osugata
Osugata are small clay fox figurines that come in pairs, one male and one female, each with a unique facial expression.
On the left side of the main building of Hikan Inari Shrine, there’s a small building dedicated to Osugata. When your prayer is answered at this shrine, you can offer your Osugata here. You’ll be amazed by the number of Osugata left by worshippers.
You can buy a pair of Osugata for 1,500 Yen at Asakusa Shrine’s office. Once you buy them, take them home and bring them back to Hikan Inari Shrine for dedication after your wish comes true. Of course, you can also dedicate them right after purchasing.
Additional information
Opening Hours
Hikan Inari Shrine is open for visitors at any time. However, the shrine office is only open from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on the following days:
- The 1st and 15th of every month
- January 1st to January 5th
- The first horse day in February (Hatsuuma)
- March 18th
If you’d like to buy Osugata or amulets on days other than those listed above, please visit the office at Asakusa Shrine instead.
TEL
- 03-3844-1575
Address
- Asakusa 2-31-16, Taito-Ku, Tokyo 111-0032
