Posted May 20, 2015 by Jonelle Patrick6 Comments Animals

The Fox Shrine To End All Fox Shrines

I knew I was going to love the Sasuke Inari Shrine from the moment I saw the long tunnel of red lacquer torii gates leading into the deep, dark woods. But nothing prepared me for the mossy, foxy, wonders that lay beyond!

Once you enter the gates, no matter what time of day it is, or how sunny, you're in the twilight zone. — Once you walk through the gates, no matter what time of day it is (or how sunny), you’ve entered the twilight zone.

Inari shrines are everywhere in Japan – foxes are believed to be the wily messengers of the gods, and not immune to a little bribe to get one's personal agenda heard by the powers-that-be... — Inari shrines are everywhere in Japan – foxes are believed to be the wily messengers of the gods, and not immune to a little bribe to get one’s personal agenda heard by the powers-that-be…

...but I've never seen one that was basically an entire hillside turned into a little fox village. — …but I’ve never seen one that was basically an entire hillside turned into a little fox village.

As you can see by the moss covering this little village, the shrine has been attracting pilgrims for a long, long, time. — Check out the moss covering this little hamlet. The Sasuke Inari Shrine has been attracting pilgrims for a long, long, time.

There are thousands of fox figures here, left by the likes of you and me!

For as little as ¥1500 for the smallest pair, you can get your own and leave them in the spot of your choosing, along with a wish for your heart's desire. (Or you can take thim home, which is not always allowed at shrines!) — For as little as ¥1500 for the smallest pair, you can get your own and leave them in the spot of your choosing, along with a wish for your heart’s desire. (Or you can take them home, which is not always allowed at shrines!)

You can make them a home in one of the villages, or put them on the altar of one of the sub-shrines.

These are the ones left by me and my friend Mika!

The Sasuke Shrine is believed to be a "power spot" by shrine aficionados, and you can see by the number of fox figures that's not really a fringe opinion around here. — The Sasuke Inari Shrine is believed to be a “power spot” by shrine aficionados, and you can see by the number of fox figures that’s not exactly a fringe-y opinion.

Tucked down by a corner of the main shrine at the top of the hill is this magical circle of foxen gathered around a little stone pool

If you look carefully, you’ll find foxes peeking out amid the greenery on hollow stumps…

You should visit, don't you think? — You should visit, don’t you think? The foxes are waiting!

If you’d like to visit the Sasuke Inari Shrine the next time you’re in Tokyo, Kamakura is an easy day trip (just an hour away by train). Directions & maps are on my website, The Tokyo Guide I Wish I’d Had.

Note: The best time of year to go is during and after the rainy season. From June-September, the moss is lush and green, but if it hasn’t rained in a while, it can be a little brown and disappointing.

And just for fun, here are the eleven strangest shrines in Tokyo, with all the inside scoop on the resident gods’ superpowers

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The Last Tea Bowl Thief was chosen as an Editor’s Pick for Best Mystery, Thriller & Suspense on Amazon!

“Patrick’s keen eye for the telling detail reveals her great love for and knowledge of Japan. A great read!” —Liza Dalby, author of Geisha and The Tale of Murasaki

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Jonelle Patrick writes novels set in Japan, and blogs at Only In Japan and The Tokyo Guide I Wish I’d Had

Jonelle Patrick View All

Writing mystery books set in Tokyo is mostly what I do, but I also blog about the odd stuff I see every day in Japan. I'm a graduate of Stanford University and the Sendagaya Japanese Institute in Tokyo, and a member of the International Thriller Writers, the Mystery Writers of America, and Sisters In Crime. When I'm not in Tokyo, I live in San Francisco. I also host a travel site called The Tokyo Guide I Wish I'd Had, so if you're headed to Japan and want to check out the places I take my friends when they're in town, take a look!

6 thoughts on “The Fox Shrine To End All Fox Shrines” Leave a comment ›

yieldforkimono says:

May 20, 2015 at 9:42 am

These are some awesome pictures! I would love to go there.

- Jonelle Patrick says:
  
  May 20, 2015 at 11:16 pm
  
  I hope you get to go someday! I want to see pictures of you in kimono at spots like this!（＾Ｏ＾☆♪
  
hangtown says:

May 20, 2015 at 11:00 am

This is fabulous! I’d love to go there too. I thought my parents had a big collection of foxes but it doesn’t compare to this. Most are Western but they have some Japanese ones too.

- Jonelle Patrick says:
  
  May 20, 2015 at 11:17 pm
  
  I was seriously tempted to take mine away, because these foxes have such enigmatic faces. Some figures you get to leave at shrines sort of phone it in, looks-wise, but these were lovely. I got the smallest ones, but each size has a different look/expression!
  
Alan Loewen says:

November 1, 2020 at 4:14 pm

I know I am posting on an old post, but wanted to say thank you for the hard work you put into this blog entry. I saw one of the pictures you took on Pinterest and followed the link to this very lovely article. Thank you very much. It was greatly appreciated.

- Jonelle Patrick says:
  
  November 1, 2020 at 4:16 pm
  
  Wow, thank you! I’m so glad you enjoyed it, and I hope you get to see this great Fox Shrine yourself the next time you’re in Japan!