Anamori Inari Jinja Shrine

Torii gates with names

Anamori Inari Shrine is dedicated to Inari, the deity who protects the three essentials of life: clothing, shelter and food. It is a Shinto shrine. The red gates and banners symbolize protection against evil spirits. These torii are donated by devotees as an offering for blessings. The names of the donors are indicated in black paint on the posts.

Votive offerings of mini torii gates

Oyashiro (miniature shrine)

Large and medium torii gates

Oyashiro (shrine)

Oyashiro with sacred Kitsune (foxes) guarding it

The foxes are the messengers of the deity, Inari. They are said to have magical abilities. People visit this shrine to pray for blessings for business properity, good fortune, educational success, air traffic safety, healing from illnesses and a host of others. I think that we can all pray for our dearest wish and believe it will happen.

Votive offerings of torii and kitsune miniatures

Votive offerings

Main Torii gate

This marks the entrance to the sacred space. It separates the physical world from the spiritual plane. Check out my short video of the torii gates here: https://youtube.com/shorts/iVoZDSZWPFQ?si=iQ_t9FUoNIlbIveA

Main Hall of Anamori Inari Shrine

I enjoyed the calm and serenity this place offered. Except for the wind blowing the prayer flags and ema, it was quiet and beautiful.

Ema (votive plaques) and prayer flags

Haneda Aviation Shrine at Terminal 1

The original Anamori Inari Shrine was on Kaname Island, now the site of Haneda Airport. It was relocated during WWII when it became necessary to expand the airport. This shrine is revered for the protection and prosperity of the airport.

It was such an unexpected blessing to find the Anamori Inari Shrine so close to my hotel. It made my visit to Tokyo more special and memorable.

How to get there:

Take the Keikyu line toward Haneda Airport and get off at Anamori Inari station. The shrine is a short walk from the station.

Where to stay:

JAL City Haneda

The hotel is a short walk to the shrine and to the Keikyu train station. It’s ten minutes from Haneda airport and they offer free airport shuttles. There are convenience stores and a bakery nearby.

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*****

Images by TravelswithCharie

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