Affectionately known as “Ochobo-san,” Chiyoho Inari Shrine is often named one of Japan’s three major Inari shrines, alongside Fushimi Inari Taisha in Kyoto and Toyokawa Inari in Aichi. The shrine has a history of approximately 550 years and enshrines Ōmioya-no-Ōkami, Inari Ōkami, and Mioya-no-Kami. Believed to bring prosperity in business and safety to families, it attracts approximately 2 million worshippers each year from within and outside the prefecture.
The shrine has a distinctive worship custom in which visitors offer deep-fried tofu threaded onto a piece of straw, along with a candle. Visitors purchase these offerings from a shop near the entrance to the shrine grounds, light the candle at the candle-lighting area, and then place the deep-fried tofu on the offering table in front of the worship hall together with a monetary offering before praying.
The shrine is also known for its Tsukigoshi Mairi, a monthly pilgrimage held from the last day of each month into the first day of the next. Large numbers of worshippers visit throughout the night to express gratitude for the past month and pray for the month ahead.
Approximately 120 shops, mainly restaurants and food stalls, line the roughly 700-meter approach to the shrine. The area remains lively throughout the year with visitors enjoying food and shopping alongside their shrine visit.
Highlights
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A shrine associated with prosperity in business that attracts approximately 2 million visitors each year.
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Worshippers traditionally offer deep-fried tofu and a candle along with a monetary offering.
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The shrine stays lively throughout the night during the Tsukigoshi Mairi from the end of each month into the beginning of the next.
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Enjoy food and shopping along the bustling approach to the shrine.
