Toyokawa Inari Tokyo Betsuin

[7 min. on foot from hotel]

A Buddhist temple known to be worshiped in particular by people in the entertainment sector and show business. The red paper lanterns adorning the outer wall and fox motifs in various locations of the grounds are characteristic features.

[7 min. on foot from hotel]

About the temple

Built in the 19th century, this temple is a branch of Toyokawa Inari in Aichi Prefecture. It was originally built as a private temple within a Daimyo's residence, and was later transferred to its present location. As the Akasaka area flourished as an entertainment quarter, the temple gradually came to be worshiped by people in the entertainment sector and show business, and many celebrities are known to visit the temple today. The enshrined deity is believed to have ridden on and be guarded by a fox, and today fox motifs are a symbol of Toyokawa Inari.

The temple grounds

Gate
Main temple
The deity Toyokawa Dakinishinten is enshrined.
Ooka-byo
A small shrine built in memory of Tadasuke Ooka, the founding daimyo of Toyokawa Inari Tokyo Betsuin.
Oku-no-in (innermost sanctuary)
The oblong banners (called "nobori") are offered by worshippers who made wishes and also to show gratitude for answered prayers.
Kodakara Kan-non
A statue of a goddess of fertility.
Migawari-jizo
This statue is said to take over the hardships that are bestowed upon the people and suffer vicariously.

Events and recommendations

Zen meditation "Zazen"
6:30-7:00am, second and fourth Tuesdays every month
Sutra copying "Shakyo"
1:30-3:30pm, once a month on Saturday (please inquire for specific dates)
Touring of the seven lucky gods
A Japanese custom of visiting the shrines of each of the seven lucky gods to pray for happiness. Here at Toyokawa Inari Tokyo Betsuin, all of the seven gods are enshrined within the grounds making completion quite easy.
Collection of red seals ("goshuin")
"Goshuin" consists of a red stamped seal and elaborate calligraphy writing, and are sold to worshippers at Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines. Each temple and shrine has its own seal design, and some make the collection of these red seals a hobby. Special notebooks made from "washi" (Japanese paper) are available for this purpose.