Futagawa Fushimi Inari | A Historic Inari Shrine in Toyohashi City, Aichi Prefecture
Futagawa Fushimi Inari is an Inari shrine located in Futagawa-cho, Toyohashi City, Aichi Prefecture. Since the Edo period, it has attracted the faith of the local community, and has been revered as a god of business prosperity and abundant harvests.
History of Futagawa Fushimi Inari
Founding and History
The exact founding date of Futagawa Fushimi Inari is unclear, but it is believed to have already attracted the faith of residents and travelers around Futagawa-juku on the Tokaido during the Edo period. It enshrines the Inari deity, which was invited from Fushimi Inari Taisha in Kyoto, and has been revered as the guardian deity of local commerce and agriculture.
Connection to Futagawa-juku
In Futagawa-juku, which flourished as the 33rd post town of the Tokaido Fifty-three Stations, Inari worship was important to merchants and those involved in the post town. The shrine has been maintained alongside the development of the post town, with a constant stream of worshippers praying for the prosperity of inns and merchant houses.
Benefits and Divine Virtues
Futagawa Fushimi Inari Shrine is believed to offer the following benefits:
Main Benefits
- Business Prosperity: A representative benefit of Inari, many worshippers pray for business success and the prosperity of their stores.
- Abundant Harvest: Prayers are offered for a bountiful harvest as the guardian deity of agriculture.
- Family Safety: Protection of family health and peaceful living.
- Good Fortune and Prosperity: Bringing good luck and prosperity.
- Traffic Safety: As a shrine along an old highway, prayers are offered for safe travels.
Points to Note When Worshiping
How to Worship
- Bow Before Passing Through the Torii Gate: Bow lightly before entering the shrine grounds.
- Purify at the Water Basin: Purify in the following order: left hand → right hand → mouth → hilt of left hand.
- Worship at the Main Hall: Worship using the two bows, two claps, and one bow ritual.
- Greeting the Fox Statues: It is good to bow to the fox statues, which are unique to Inari shrines.
Highlights of the Shrine Grounds
- Vermilion Torii Gate: The vermilion torii gate, a symbol of Inari shrines, welcomes visitors.
- Fox Stone Statues: Statues of foxes, the divine messengers of the gods, are placed in front of the worship hall.
- Main Hall: A shrine building that retains traditional shrine architectural styles.
Recommended Time for Visiting
The shrine grounds are generally open all day, but for those who wish to visit in peace, early morning (around 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM) is recommended. Crowds are expected during New Year’s visits and festivals.
Access Information
Access by Train
- Approximately 10 minutes on foot from JR Tokaido Main Line “Futagawa Station”
- Exit the south exit of the station and head towards Futagawa-juku
- Located along the old Tokaido road, you can easily find your way by following the signs.
Access by Car
- Approximately 30 minutes from Tomei Expressway “Otowa-Gamagori IC” via National Route 1
- Head towards Futagawa-machi from National Route 1
- It is recommended to check in advance whether there is a dedicated parking lot.
Combination with Nearby Facilities
- Futagawa-juku Honjin Museum: 5 minutes on foot, you can view Edo-period honjin architecture
- Merchant House “Komaya”: 3 minutes on foot, preserved and open to the public a merchant house from the post town
- It is recommended to visit in conjunction with a stroll through Futagawa-juku.
Annual Events
Main Festivals
- Hatsuumasai: An important festival of the Inari Shrine, held on the first day of the Horse in February.
- Reitaisai: The largest annual festival, held in autumn.
- Hatsumode: The shrine is bustling with local residents visiting during the first three days of the New Year.
Nearby Tourist Attractions
There are many historical sights scattered around Futagawa Fushimi Inari.
- Futagawa-juku Honjin Museum: A nationally designated historical site, a honjin (main inn) building.
- Hatakoya “Seimeiya”: A restored Edo-period inn.
- Futagawa-juku Streetscape: A townscape that retains the atmosphere of the old Tokaido road.
- Toyohashi City Futagawa-juku Exchange Center: A facility where you can learn about the history of the post town.
Precautions when visiting
- Please maintain silence on the shrine grounds and be considerate of other visitors.
- Photography is permitted, but please refrain from taking pictures inside the main hall or during festivals.
- If you are bringing a pet, please check the rules on the shrine grounds.
- Please be sure to take your trash with you.
Summary
Futagawa Fushimi Inari is a local Inari shrine that has walked hand in hand with the history of Futagawa-juku on the Tokaido road. In addition to visitors seeking blessings for business prosperity and abundant harvests, the number of tourists visiting as part of a historical walk through Futagawa-juku is also increasing. Its convenient location within walking distance of JR Futagawa Station is also an attractive feature, making it a must-visit spot when visiting Toyohashi City.
