About Sasuke Inari Shrine
Sasuke Inari Shrine is an Inari shrine located in Sasuke, Kamakura City, Kanagawa Prefecture. Situated in a quiet valley in Sasuke-ga-tani, often called the inner sanctuary of Kamakura, it has long been revered as the “Inari of a Hidden Village.”
A legend remains that when Minamoto no Yoritomo was exiled to Izu, he decided to raise an army after receiving a divine message from the Inari god in a dream, and later founded the Kamakura Shogunate. Because of this legend, it is also called the “Inari of Success,” and worshippers from all over Japan visit to pray for career advancement and success in their work.
Deities and History
The enshrined deities are five gods: Ukanomitama-no-mikoto, Onamuchi-no-mikoto, Satahiko-no-mikoto, Omiyame-no-mikoto, and Kotoshironushi-no-mikoto. During the Jisho era (1177-1181), while exiled to Izu, Minamoto no Yoritomo had a dream in which an old man calling himself “Inari of the Hidden Village” appeared and urged him to raise an army. After successfully defeating the Taira clan and establishing the Kamakura Shogunate, Yoritomo is said to have built a shrine in this location and named it “Sasuke Inari,” meaning “the Inari who helped Lord Sukedo (Yoritomo’s nickname).”
Benefits and Divine Virtues
Main Benefits
- Career Advancement and Success: The most famous benefit, derived from the story of Minamoto no Yoritomo’s rise to power.
- Business Prosperity: As the original divine virtue of Inari.
- Matchmaking: Believed to have the power to bring about good relationships.
- Academic Success: Wishing for the blossoming of wisdom and talent.
- Healing from Illness: Believed to have miraculous effects on prayers for good health.
This shrine is particularly revered by those facing life-changing events such as changing jobs, promotions, or starting a business, and many people visit it when they feel it’s a crucial moment.
Highlights of the Shrine Grounds
The Approach Lined with Vermilion Torii Gates
Dozens of vermilion torii gates line both sides of the stone steps leading to the shrine grounds. The vermilion stands out against the dimly lit approach surrounded by trees, creating a mystical atmosphere. Each time you pass through a torii gate, you feel as if you are leaving the mundane world behind. ### Moss-Covered Stone Steps and Fox Statues
The stone steps leading to the shrine are covered in moss, evoking a sense of its long history. Fox statues, placed throughout the path, watch over worshippers as messengers of Inari, the god of rice. The moss is especially beautiful after rain, making it a popular spot for photography.
Worship Hall and Main Shrine
Upon climbing the stone steps, a small worship hall appears. Surrounded by trees, it offers a tranquil space that allows you to forget the hustle and bustle of Kamakura. Behind the main shrine, a path leads to the inner sanctuary, allowing for a deeper pilgrimage.
Eleven-Faced Kannon Hall
Within the temple grounds is a Kannon Hall dedicated to the Eleven-Faced Kannon, a remnant of the syncretism of Shinto and Buddhism.
Points to Note When Visiting a Shrine
Etiquette for Visiting a Shrine
- Bow Before Passing Through the Torii Gate: Bow at the torii gate at the entrance to the shrine grounds before entering.
- Purify Yourself at the Water Basin: Purify your hands in the following order: left hand → right hand → mouth → left hand with the ladle.
- Two Bows, Two Claps, and One Bow at the Main Hall: Ring the bell, then bow twice → clap twice → offer your prayers → bow once.
- Visit the Inner Sanctuary: If you have time, visit the inner sanctuary behind the main hall.
- Bow Again at the Torii Gate on Your Way Out: Bow towards the torii gate when leaving the shrine grounds.
Recommended Times to Visit
- Early Morning (7:00-9:00): Fewer people, allowing you to enjoy a peaceful atmosphere.
- Weekday Mornings: Fewer tourists, allowing for a more relaxed visit.
- After the Rain: The moss is lush and vibrant, creating an even more fantastical landscape.
Weekend and public holiday afternoons can be crowded, so if you want to visit in peace, it’s recommended to go earlier in the day.
Estimated Time Required
Visiting only the temple grounds takes about 15-20 minutes; including a stroll around the surrounding area, it’s about 30-40 minutes.
Access & Basic Information
Access by Train
Approximately 20 minutes on foot from JR Yokosuka Line/Enoshima Electric Railway “Kamakura Station”
- Exit the west exit of Kamakura Station and go straight along Onari Street
- Follow the road towards Zeniarai Benzaiten Shrine
- Climb the hill in the residential area and follow the signs
Access by Bus
While it’s possible to take a bus from Kamakura Station, the number of buses is limited, so walking is recommended.
Access by Car
There is no dedicated parking lot. The surrounding roads are narrow, and there is no parking space, so we strongly recommend using public transportation. It’s most practical to use a paid parking lot near Kamakura Station and walk there.
Basic Information
- Address: 2-22-12 Sasuke, Kamakura City, Kanagawa Prefecture
- Phone: 0467-22-4711
- Visiting Hours: Grounds are freely accessible (Shrine office is generally open 9:00-16:00)
- Admission Fee: Free
- Closed Days: None
- Official Website: None (Information can be found on the Kamakura City Tourism Association website)
Nearby Tourist Spots
Zeniarai Benzaiten Ugafuku Shrine (approx. 10-minute walk)
A top Kamakura spot for attracting wealth, where washing money in the sacred water inside the cave is said to improve your financial luck. Many people visit this shrine along with Sasuke Inari Shrine.
Genjiyama Park (approx. 15-minute walk)
A nature-rich park with a statue of Minamoto no Yoritomo. It is also known as a famous cherry blossom viewing spot and serves as a starting point for hiking trails.
Kamakura Daibutsu (Kotoku-in Temple) (approx. 25 minutes on foot)
A symbol of Kamakura, this seated statue of Amida Buddha stands approximately 11.3 meters tall. It can be reached by strolling from Sasuke Inari Shrine.
Points to Note When Visiting
- Watch Your Step: The stone steps are covered in moss and can be slippery, so wear comfortable shoes.
- Insect Repellent: Mosquitoes are abundant in the summer, so insect repellent spray is recommended.
- Respect the Silence: As it is located in a residential area, please refrain from loud conversations.
- Photography: Please be considerate of other visitors.
Summary
Sasuke Inari Shrine is a power spot for career advancement, nestled in a hidden village of Kamakura. This historic shrine, steeped in the legend of Minamoto no Yoritomo, captivates visitors with its fantastical approach lined with vermilion torii gates and its tranquil atmosphere.
Although it’s located a little off the beaten path of typical Kamakura sightseeing routes, the tranquility and sacred atmosphere it maintains are its greatest charms. If you’re facing a turning point in your life or embarking on a new challenge, why not pay a visit?
