About Toyokawa Inari Tokyo Branch Temple
Toyokawa Inari Tokyo Branch Temple is a Soto Zen Buddhist temple located in Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo. It was founded in 1828 (Bunsei 11) as the Tokyo branch temple of Toyokawa Inari (Myogonji Temple) in Toyokawa City, Aichi Prefecture. Its official name is “Toyokawa-kaku Myogonji Tokyo Branch Temple,” but it is commonly known as “Toyokawa Inari Tokyo Branch Temple” or “Akasaka Toyokawa Inari.”
Why does it bear the name “Inari” despite being a temple?
Toyokawa Inari is a temple, not a shrine, but it enshrines Toyokawa Dakini Shinten, a guardian deity of Buddhism. Because this deity appeared riding a white fox, it became associated with Inari worship and came to be called “Toyokawa Inari.”
Highlights of the Temple Grounds
The Fox Spirit Mound with Hundreds of Fox Statues
The most striking feature of the temple grounds is the hundreds of fox statues enshrined in the inner sanctuary. The sight of these statues, donated by worshippers with their wishes, lined up in such abundance is breathtaking and creates a mystical atmosphere. The orderly arrangement of fox statues of various sizes creates a unique landscape unlike any other.
The Main Hall Illuminated by Lanterns
Numerous red lanterns, donated by worshippers and companies, hang in front of the main hall. As dusk falls, the lanterns are lit, creating a magical atmosphere. Many lanterns bear the names of well-known companies, indicating the temple’s widespread reverence as a sacred site for business prosperity.
Pilgrimage to the Seven Lucky Gods
The temple grounds enshrine the Seven Lucky Gods, including Daikokuten, Ebisu, and Benzaiten. Visitors can pilgrimage to the Seven Lucky Gods while touring the grounds. By praying to each deity, various blessings can be received.
Benefits and Faith
Business Prosperity and Increased Wealth
Toyokawa Inari Tokyo Branch Temple has been known since the Edo period as a sacred site for business prosperity and increased wealth. It is particularly revered by business people and managers, attracting many worshippers for New Year’s visits and monthly prayers. It is also known for being a place of worship for Ooka Echizen-no-kami Tadasuke, and was widely worshipped by samurai and townspeople.
Other Benefits
- Family Safety: Protecting the health and peace of the family
- Exorcism and Good Fortune: Warding off misfortune and opening up good fortune
- Harmony and Fulfillment: Attracting good fortune and building harmonious relationships
- Academic Success: Improving academic performance and passing exams
Points to Note When Visiting
Etiquette for Visiting
As this is a temple, the etiquette for visiting differs from that of a shrine.
- Purify yourself at the water basin: Purify your left hand, then your right hand, then your mouth.
- Pray at the main shrine: Ring the bell, then quietly pray with your hands clasped together (do not clap your hands).
- Visit the inner sanctuary: Pray to the fox statue at the Reiko-zuka (Fox Spirit Mound).
- Yuzu-kin (Financial Fortune Money): It is believed that keeping the Yuzu-kin borrowed at the main shrine in your wallet will improve your financial luck.
Recommended visiting times
- Early morning (6:00-8:00): You can pray in a quiet and peaceful atmosphere.
- Evening (17:00-18:00): The lanterns are lit, creating a magical atmosphere.
- 22nd of every month: A monthly festival is held, and you can receive special prayers.
Items available
- Yuzu-mamori (Financial Fortune Charm): A charm for increased financial luck.
- Shobai Hanjo-mamori (Business Prosperity Charm): A charm for business prosperity.
- Fukukitsune Omamori: A cute amulet featuring a fox motif.
- Goshuin: In addition to regular goshuin (temple/shrine stamps), limited edition goshuin are also available.
Access Information
Access by Train
- Tokyo Metro Ginza Line/Marunouchi Line “Akasaka-Mitsuke Station”: 5-minute walk from Exit B
- Tokyo Metro Yurakucho Line/Hanzomon Line/Namboku Line “Nagatacho Station”: 5-minute walk from Exit 7
After exiting Akasaka-Mitsuke Station Exit B, proceed along Aoyama-dori towards Aoyama, turn left onto Hitotsugi-dori, and you will see it on your right.
Access by Car
There is no dedicated parking lot, so please use nearby coin parking. Parking fees around Akasaka are relatively high, so we recommend using public transportation.
Visiting Hours and Admission Fee
- Visiting Hours: 5:00 AM – 8:00 PM (Open all year round)
- Admission Fee: Free
- Prayer Reception Hours: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Nearby Attractions
Located in Akasaka, you can enjoy exploring the surrounding area after your visit.
- Akasaka Sacas: 3-minute walk, TBS headquarters and shopping facilities
- Hie Shrine: 7-minute walk, one of the Ten Shrines of Tokyo
- National Diet Building: 10-minute walk, the center of Japanese politics
- Akasaka Palace State Guest House: 12-minute walk, a national treasure (reservations required)
Summary
Toyokawa Inari Tokyo Branch Temple is a sacred site with a mystical atmosphere despite being in the heart of Tokyo. Its unique landscape, with hundreds of fox statues, and the long-standing belief in business prosperity dating back to the Edo period, continue to attract many people today. Located in the convenient Akasaka area, it’s easy to visit during a break from work or while sightseeing. This temple is recommended not only for those praying for business prosperity, but also for those who want to spend a quiet time praying in the heart of the city.
