Toyokawa Inari

A Soto Zen Buddhist temple founded Approx. 580 years ago during the Muromachi period. Its official name is Toyokawakaku Myogon-ji Temple. When you hear “Inari,” like Fushimi Inari, many people picture a Shinto shrine that enshrines foxes, but this is a temple that enshrines Toyokawa Dakini Shinten. It earned deep devotion from warlords such as Oda Nobunaga (1534–1582), Toyotomi Hideyoshi (1537–1598), and Tokugawa Ieyasu (1542–1616), and in the Edo period it was revered among ordinary people as a deity of thriving business, household safety, and good fortune.

After paying your respects at the main hall, head to the “Reiko-zuka (Spirit Fox Mound)” on the north side. The sight of more than 1,000 fox stone statues, large and small, dedicated by worshippers whose wishes came true is truly breathtaking. Look closely and you’ll notice each one has a different expression—compare them as you go.

The temple town in front of the gate is lined with shops selling the local specialty, inari sushi, as well as souvenir stores. Be sure to stop by before or after your visit.