181 ~ Inari Jinja

 

Japanese Name:  稲荷神社
Romanized Reading: Inari Jinja
English Translation: Inari Shrine
Size: Small Side Shrine of Yasaka Jinja
Deity: Inari
Fox Count: 4
First Visit: 11-Aug-2018
Location: Naoetsu
Address: 4 Chome-2-25 Nishihonchō, Jōetsu-shi, Niigata-ken 942-0004

A fox shrine that I should find in the port town of Naoetsu (直江 "Straightforward Bay") while straying from the ferry terminal to the train station. I could have taken the bus, but then I would have missed out on this and other shrines along the way.

Anyway, this is one of several side shrines of Yasaka Jinja (八坂神社 "Eight Slopes Shrine"), where two life-sized, old, overgrown stone foxes sit watch outside. Those two are already pretty battered, with one missing ears and muzzle, and the other missing a paw and part of the tile. The two tiny foxes inside the shrine are better sheltered, and as such in better shape.