62 ~ Meitoku Inari Jinja

 

Japanese Name:  明徳稲荷神社
Romanized Reading: Meitoku Inari Jinja
English Translation: Virtue Inari Shrine
Size: Tiny Side Shrine of Yanagimori Jinja
Deity: Inari
Fox Count: 2
First Visit: 3-Apr-2018
Location: Tokyo-Chiyoda
Address: 2 Chome-25-1 Kanda Sudachō, Chiyoda-ku, Tōkyō-to 101-0041

The final foxy side shrine of Yanagimori Jinja. A pair of small stone fox statues flanks this tiny shrine next to a rose bush, its name written on a small strip of white plywood that is nailed and strapped to one pillar of the shrine.

61 ~ Matsutoku Inari Daimyoujin

 

Japanese Name:  松徳稲荷大明神
Romanized Reading: Matsutoku Inari Daimyoujin
English Translation: Benevolent Pine Inari Great Radiant Deity
Size: Tiny Side Shrine of Yanagimori Jinja
Deity: Inari
Fox Count: 3
First Visit: 3-Apr-2018
Location: Tokyo-Chiyoda
Address: 2 Chome-25-1 Kanda Sudachō, Chiyoda-ku, Tōkyō-to 101-0041

Though nowhere near Anamori Inari Jinja, Yanagimori Jinja still is pretty foxy with a couple of vulpine side shrines, such as this one. Sadly, the fox to the right has lost his head and part of his tail, but the one to the left features a kit, thus bringing the vixen side count to 3:12.

Tanuki 1 ~ Fukujushin

 

Japanese Name:  福壽神
Romanized Reading: Fukujushin
English Translation: Long Life and Happiness Deity
Size: Tiny Side Shrine of Yanagimori Jinja
Deity: Luck
Tanuki Count: 6
First Visit: 3-Apr-2018
Location: Tokyo-Chiyoda
Address: 2 Chome-25-1 Kanda Sudachō, Chiyoda-ku, Tōkyō-to 101-0041

A rare Tanuki shrine. Tanuki are the counterparts of foxes in Japan. Also known as racoon dogs (and frequently translated as simply "racoon" in western translations of Japanese media), they are so closely connected with foxes in Japanese culture, that there's a two-kanji word for "foxes and Tanuki": Kori (狐狸).

The Tanuki's most striking feature in statues is that they are usually depicted with large testicles, symbolizing fertility. Female Tanuki statues are rare, but the ones I have encountered feature large breasts to convey the same symbolism. Like foxes, Tanuki are said to represent fortune and fertility, but unlike foxes who can mostly be found at shrines, Tanuki are most often found in stores and private households.

60 ~ Yanagimori Jinja

 

Japanese Name:  柳森神社
Romanized Reading: Yanagimori Jinja
English Translation: Willow Woods Shrine
Size: Big
Deity: Inari
Fox Count: 3
First Visit: 3-Apr-2018
Location: Tokyo-Chiyoda
Address: 2 Chome-25-1 Kanda Sudachō, Chiyoda-ku, Tōkyō-to 101-0041

A big shrine on the south side of Kandagawa (神田川 "God Field River"), the name of which hints that there once was a forest here where now only city remains. Again, despite this not having "Inari" in its name, the presence of a pair of fox guardians as well as the Inari emblem strongly suggests that this is an Inari shrine. Unusually, it is the left fox who features a kit here, bringing the vixen side count to 2:12.

59 ~ Fukutoku Jinja

 

Japanese Name:  福徳神社
Romanized Reading: Fukutoku Jinja
English Translation: Happiness and Prosperity Shrine
Size: Medium
Deity: Inari?
Fox Count: 2
First Visit: 3-Apr-2018
Location: Tokyo-Chuo
Address: 2 Chome-4-14 Nihonbashimuromachi, Chūō-ku, Tōkyō-to 103-0022

A locally famous shrine in central Tokyo that is said to bring good fortune. Traditionally, people come here to pray for winning in the lottery. As such, it does not come as a surprise that two foxes would be watching over it, with them being associated with Inari, goddess of prosperity. I guess that means that foxes are also thought of as bringers of good fortune in Japan, which I guess explains their popularity. This is notably one of the rare fox shrines that does not have Inari in its name, though I assume it is still a shrine dedicated to Inari, once because of the foxes, twice because of the association with fortune and prosperity, and thrice because the left of the two emblems on the cloths hanging behind the Shimenawa is one of the typical Inari emblems, depicting two bundles of rice ears bent in a circle.

58 ~ Fushimi Inari Jinja

 

Japanese Name:  伏見稲荷神社 
Romanized Reading: Fushimi Inari Jinja
English Translation: Prostrated Hopes Inari Shrine
Size: Small
Deity: Inari
Fox Count: 3
First Visit: 3-Apr-2018
Location: Tokyo-Chuo
Address: 2 Chome-11-5 Yaesu, Chuo City, Tokyo 104-0028

A small fox shrine (and branch shrine of Fushimi Inari Taisha) surrounded on three sides by large buildings. Located at the bottom of a narrow between buildings a minimum of four stories high, and facing north no less, this shrine probably barely ever gets any sunlight. Meanwhile, the stone fox statues here are of another unusual design, probably meaning they were custom-made for this shrine alone. Also, the right fox has a kit to the right, bringing the vixen side count to 1:12.

57 ~ Sakura Inari Jinja

Japanese Name:  桜稲荷神社
Romanized Reading: Sakura Inari Jinja
English Translation: Cherry Tree/Blossoms Inari Shrine
Size: Tiny
Deity: Inari
Fox Count: 2
First Visit: 3-Apr-2018
Location: Tokyo-Taito
Address: 2 Chome-6-2 Taito, Taito City, Tokyo 110-0016

Another fox shrine of particular significance to me: This was the shrine that was only a few blocks away from the share house that I lived in during April. Squashed between two rows of building in an alley, it nonetheless sits under a beautiful cherry tree, and I was there just in time to see the blossoms bloom. In fact, the entrance of the alley leading there is so narrow, that even the Torii there is squished.

And on one day, I should get lucky and pass by there while a little Matsuri was in progress, with music and all. So here's a short video of that:

(Click here to view the video if the website fails to load it)

56 ~ Shirahama Inari Jinja

 

Japanese Name:  白浜稲荷神社
Romanized Reading: Shirahama Inari Jinja
English Translation:White Beach Inari Shrine
Size: Tiny
Deity: Inari
Fox Count: 4
First Visit: 1-Apr-2018
Location: Tokyo-Ota
Address: 13-3 Hanedaasahicho, Ota City, Tokyo 144-0042

The final fox shrine that I should find on this very foxy day. Located right next to the mega-freaking HUGE "Chronogate" logistics centre of the Yamato Group. This one feature four little standard foxes, only in black instead of white. Probably a reference to the logo of aforementioned company, which features a black cat carrying a little kitten. Very cute, like most things in Japan.

55 ~ Private Shrine

 

Japanese Name:  ?
Romanized Reading: ?
English Translation: ?
Size: Tiny
Deity: Inari?
Fox Count: 3
First Visit: 1-Apr-2018
Location: Tokyo-Ota
Address: 5 Chome-2-7 Haneda, Ota City, Tokyo 144-0043

A private shrine with two foxes watching over it, located in the garden of a small house just across from Anamori Inari Jinja. Since I don't want to trespass, I can't say much more than that about this one. And yet, at the same time that gives me the idea of building my own little Inari shrine someday. Also, this one features a fox with a kit to the right, bringing the vixen side count to 1:11.

54 ~ Shusse Inari

 

Japanese Name:  出世稲荷
Romanized Reading: Shusse Inari
English Translation: Success in Life Inari
Size: Tiny Side Shrine (of Anamori Inari Jinja)
Deity: Inari
Fox Count: 24
First Visit: 1-Apr-2018
Location: Tokyo-Ota
Address: 5 Chome-2-7 Haneda, Ota City, Tokyo 144-0043

The middle of the three shrines to the right of the Torii tunnel, and the final foxy side shrine of Anamori Inari Jinja. Featuring "only" 24 foxes, that's still more than the number of foxes I should see on most other days. To the right of that shrine, you can see a board of Ema. Those are prayer plaques that you can purchase at the shrine to write a wish on and hang it up for the gods to read. Once the writing fades, so it is said, the deity has read your wish, and it will be granted. Sorta like a kanban board for gods.
 

53 ~ Inari Daimyoujin

 

Japanese Name:  稲荷大明神
Romanized Reading: Inari Daimyoujin
English Translation: Inari Great Radiant Deity
Size: Tiny Side Shrine (of Anamori Inari Jinja)
Deity: Inari
Fox Count: 28
First Visit: 1-Apr-2018
Location: Tokyo-Ota
Address: 5 Chome-2-7 Haneda, Ota City, Tokyo 144-0043

There's a total of three shrines to the right of the Torii tunnel, and of those, this is the hindmost. I already covered the foremost before entering the tunnel (that one was #50 ~ Kaiun Inari Jinja), which only leaves the middle one after this. This shrine features only 28 foxes, and it is scary how 28 suddenly seems like a small number of foxes after the massive amount of foxes found in the previous to shrines. Going back to the usual two foxes per shrine is going to seem a bit disappointing after this overwhelming vulpine influx.

52 ~ Tsukiyama Inari Jinja

 

Japanese Name:  築山稲荷神社
Romanized Reading: Tsukiyama Inari Jinja
English Translation: Artificial Hill Inari Shrine
Size: Tiny Side Shrine (of Anamori Inari Jinja)
Deity: Inari
Fox Count: Many
First Visit: 1-Apr-2018
Location: Tokyo-Ota
Address: 5 Chome-2-7 Haneda, Ota City, Tokyo 144-0043

Located to the right of the Okunomiya, there's this little artificial mountain with a tiny shrine and many foxes on top. Again, very thematic. Did I mention that I'm losing a lot of loose change generously donating at all these foxy shrines?

51 ~ Anamori Inari Okunomiya

 

Japanese Name:  穴守稲荷奥之宮
Romanized Reading: Anamori Inari Okunomiya
English Translation: Cave Protector Inari Innermost Hall
Size: Small Side Shrine (of Anamori Inari Jinja)
Deity: Inari
Fox Count: Very Many
First Visit: 1-Apr-2018
Location: Tokyo-Ota
Address: 5 Chome-2-7 Haneda, Ota City, Tokyo 144-0043

Located at the very end of the red Torii tunnel is the innermost sanctuary of Anamori Inari Jinja. I am actually not sure about whether to count this as a separate side shrine, but since it does have a separate offering box and is also bigger than most roadside shrines, I figure it counts. Anyway, this place puts the sheer number of foxes of any other Shrine I've seen so far, as well as all but a few very special shrines that I have yet to see to shame. Whereas some other shrines around here measure their fox counts in the dozens, this one measures its in the hundreds. Easily. Might as well be thousands upwards. Here's a close-up.

And that's only part of the fox cave, which is probably what Anamori Inari was named for. Well, actually, it's probably a replica of the original cave, what with it being inside a building and all. Still, I think it's nicely thematic.

50 ~ Kaiun Inari Jinja

 

Japanese Name:  開運稲荷神社
Romanized Reading: Kaiun Inari Jinja
English Translation: Better Fortune Inari Shrine
Size: Tiny Side Shrine (of Anamori Inari Jinja)
Deity: Inari
Fox Count: 20
First Visit: 1-Apr-2018
Location: Tokyo-Ota
Address: 5 Chome-2-7 Haneda, Ota City, Tokyo 144-0043

The first of a total of five foxy side shrines located to the right of the main shrine. This one features "only" 20 foxes, which is still a lot.

49 ~ Hisshou Inarisha

 

Japanese Name:  必勝稲荷社
English Reading: Hisshou Inarisha
English Translation: Certain Victory Inari Shrine
Size: Tiny Side Shrine (of Anamori Inari Jinja)
Deity: Inari
Fox Count: Many
First Visit: 1-Apr-2018
Location: Tokyo-Ota
Address: 5 Chome-2-7 Haneda, Ota City, Tokyo 144-0043

Another foxy side shrine of Anamori Inari Jinja. This one is closer to the main shrine, and although it occupies less space than the Kitsune Tsuka, it features just as many foxes - though many of them are the small standard foxes. Incidentally, Anamori Inari is the first place I come across where you can actually buy them. Since there's no religious tax in Japan, shrines finance themselves exclusively via donations, paid services, and the sale of good luck charms. The fox statues are a specific Inari shrine thing. You can either take them home or put them in front of a shrine of your choice as an offering, which is apparently something that happens quite often here.

48 ~ Kitsune Tsuka

Japanese Name:  狐塚
English Reading: Kitsune Tsuka
English Translation: Fox Den
Size: Tiny Side Shrine (of Anamori Inari Jinja)
Deity: Inari
Fox Count: Many
First Visit: 1-Apr-2018
Location: Tokyo-Ota
Address: 5 Chome-2-7 Haneda, Ota City, Tokyo 144-0043

Located at the south entrance of Anamori Inari Jinja (so far that it's actually just off the shrine map) this is actually the first fox shrine I come across upon entering, even before reaching the main shrine in all its foxy goodness. And even if it was just this one shrine with that many foxes, it would still be special, for this is the first shrine with so many foxes that I don't think an accurate count makes sense anymore, so I am just gonna refer to the number as "many". It must be several dozen. And if you feel like counting them, good luck, here's a video of the little place: 

(Click here to view the video if the website fails to load it)

47 GOLDEN ~ Anamori Inari Jinja

 

Japanese Name:  穴守稲荷神社
English Reading: Anamori Inari Jinja
English Translation: Cave Protector Inari Shrine
Size: Big
Deity: Inari
Fox Count: 3
First Visit: 1-Apr-2018
Location: Tokyo-Ota
Address: 5 Chome-2-7 Haneda, Ota City, Tokyo 144-0043

This is it. My first Golden Fox Shrine, and consequently the one that I should imprint on. If you ever visit Tokyo, I recommend this one as a must-see location, especially if you like foxes. It's not that the main shrine itself has many foxes (it has only a pair, with the one on the right featuring a kit, bringing the vixen side count to 1:10), but it has SO MANY little side shrines, all of which feature foxes, some of so many that I can't get an accurate count. So make yourself comfortable, because we're gonna be at this one for a while.

So locally prominent is this Shrine, in fact, that the closest train station is called Anamori Inari Station and features a cute fox statue of its own, which is cutely called Kon-Chan.

Also, the station itself already features a Torii, and a store across sells Lucky Fox Happy Haneda Pudding (which is more a for-show thing, because I sampled it and it's actually not that great).

Consequentially, this should become my favorite Shrine in all of Japan, and I would return to it repeatedly. By now, I must have visited it at lest 5 times in 3 different years, and between those years I should also observe quite drastic changes to this shrine. I'll also cover them here when it fits chronologically, so it might be a while. Next up now are the many, many very vulpine side shrines of Anamori Inari Jinja.

46 ~ Fujisaki Inari Jinja

 

Japanese Name:  藤崎稲荷神社
English Reading: Fujisaki Inari Jinja
English Translation: Wisteria Cape Inari Shrine
Size: Small
Deity: Inari
Fox Count: 3
First Visit: 1-Apr-2018
Location: Tokyo-Ota
Address: 6-chōme-15-1 Haneda, Ota City, Tokyo 144-0043

Another small fox shrine between two houses, though according to Google Maps, only one of those houses remains today. The shrine and its foxes endure, however. The fox on the right features a kit (again, left and right are flipped in the above montage), bringing the vixen side count to 1:9. By now it's fairly obvious that the vixen is on the right most of the time, but I am still curious to see what the final ratio will be like.

45 ~ Kamome Inari Jinja

 

Japanese Name:  鴎稲荷神社
English Reading: Kamome Inari Jinja
English Translation: Seagull Inari Shrine
Size: Medium
Deity: Inari
Fox Count: 2
First Visit: 1-Apr-2018
Location: Tokyo-Ota
Address: 6 Chome-20-10 Haneda, Ōta-ku, Tōkyō-to 144-0043

A medium-sized fox shrine with a great grey stone Torii right at the side of the road, and a smaller red Torii in front of the actual shrine building. The pair of foxes is sitting right behind the second Torii, the left one holding a scroll, and the right one holding a Hoshi-no-Tama. By the way, the two characters on the sockets of the foxes also form a pair that can be found in many other shrines too. You need to make them right to left (reflecting the traditional reading direction in Japan: top to bottom and then right to left) to form 奉納 (Hounou), which means "Dedication" or "Offering".

44 ~ Matsumi Inari Jinja

 

Japanese Name:  松巳稲荷神社
English Reading: Matsumi Inari Jinja
English Translation: Pine Tree Snake Inari Shrine
Size: Small
Deity: Inari
Fox Count: 2
First Visit: 1-Apr-2018
Location: Tokyo-Ota
Address: 2 Chome-14-9 Haneda, Ōta-ku, Tōkyō-to 144-0043

A small Inari Shrine located in the twisting back roads of Haneda. Filled with many humble buildings, this shrine is likewise humble, which only serves to make it feel all the more authentic. Inside, a pair of tiny foxes keep watch over the little inner sanctuary. Incidentally, snakes are also considered holy animals of Inari, so little coiled snake statues can also be seen at some Inari shrines. Not this one though.