Attractions > Tokyo > Shrines Temples > Akasaka

About | Access | Hotels & Lodging | Hours & Fees

Toyokawa Inari Tokyo Betsuin near Akasaka in Tokyo Japan

 

About

Toyokawa Inari Temple, originally founded in 1828, is in the Akasaka area of Tokyo and the Tokyo Branch of the main Toyokawa Inari Shrine in Aichi Prefecture (near Nagoya). This temple has interesting history as originally it was a Buddhist temple but was threatened to be destroyed in the early Meiji Era (1868-1912) when the Imperialistic state promoted the native Shinto religion. In order to save it's own destruction, the monks at the time declared that the Shinto Fox was the main object of worship instead of the the Buddhist god Dakini-Shinten (who was said to have been riding the Shinto Fox). Foxes are associated with temples of "Inari" as the the Shinto deity of rice, that is why every Inari temple place foxes and worship them as a deity.

During WW2 the entire complex was destroyed and has been completely rebuilt. On regular normal days Toyokawa Inari Temple is a pleasant, beautiful and easy to access temple in the heart of Tokyo. You will find lots of foxes here along with trees, gardens, shrines and temples. During the Edo Period (1603-1868) a red-light district was nearby and this temple/shrine was famously visited by entertainers of those days. That tradition continues today as well-known singers, actors, TV personalities, artists, designers, writers, etc. continue the tradition and come to the temple to pray to the Benzaiten (god) enshrined here for good fortune in the year to come. If your staying in Akasaka this little temple is a great spot to visit and relax for a bit.

 

Access

Closest Train Station: Akasaka-Mitsuke

1-4-7 Motoakasaka
Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-0051 Japan

Tel: 03-3408-3414

Toyokawa Inari is a 10 min. walk from Akasaka-Mitsuke. Exit #3 from Akasaka Mitsuke and head West (the same direction you exited) up Aoyama Steet. Toyokawa Inari will be up on the right.

Google Map

 

Hotels & Lodging

Recommended

View a full list of Hotels and Lodging in or nearby Toyokawa Inari Tokyo.

 

Hours & Fees

Hours: The grounds of Shrines and Temples are generally open 27/7, 365 days a year but, many set their own hours. If hours are set, they are generally open from 9:00 a.m. or 10:00 a.m. in the morning and close around 4:30 p.m. or 5:00 p.m. in the evening.

Cost: The general grounds of Shrines and Temples are free but may charge a small fee (a couple/few hundred yen) for special gardens, exhibitions, artifact viewing, etc.

Information presented is based on the time it was created. There may be changes since publication. Please confirm information by visiting the Official Website before visiting.

 

Resources

Website: Toyokawa Inari Tokyo Homepage