Toyokawa Inari Tokyo Betsuin

Overview

Toyokawa Inari Tokyo Betsuin is a Soto Zen Buddhist temple located in Moto-akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo. It's the only directly affiliated branch temple (a detached precinct) of Toyokawa Inari Myogen-ji Temple in Toyokawa City, Aichi Prefecture. Its origins trace back to the Edo period when Ōoka Echizen no Kami Tadatsuna enshrined Dakiniten (吒枳尼天) from Toyokawa Inari as a family shrine. The Ōoka family had reportedly been devout followers of Toyokawa Inari since the Mikawa period, and it was during Echizen no Kami's time that Dakiniten was enshrined in their Edo lower residence. Later, the Ōoka family's lower residence relocated to Akasaka Hitotsugi, and Toyokawa Inari was moved to their new residence. Since Inari faith was prevalent in Edo, the Ōoka residence reportedly opened its gates to the general public for Inari worship on the 'uma no hi' (Horse Day) and the 22nd of each month. Then, in 1828 (Bunsei 11), at the request of believers, Myogen-ji Temple leased a quarter (approximately 250 tsubo) of the Ōoka residence land in Hitotsugi to establish an Edo pilgrimage site for Toyokawa Inari, marking the founding of the Tokyo Betsuin. The establishment of the Edo pilgrimage site allowed general believers to worship daily, and the previous family shrine at the Ōoka residence became known as the 'inner sanctuary.' In 1876 (Meiji 9), the Tokyo prefecture issued a notice prohibiting unauthorized public worship at shrines located on private land. This resulted in the closure of the Tokyo pilgrimage site to the general public, and the enshrined Dakiniten was returned to the Myogen-ji main temple in Toyokawa. Two years later, permission was granted by the prefecture, and public worship resumed. In 1887 (Meiji 20), due to the limited space and the difficulty of expanding the temple buildings within the Ōoka residence, it was relocated to its current location (Moto-akasaka 1-chome). Ōoka Echizen no Kami was known for his service as the Edo Minami-machi magistrate and for his rise from hatamoto (a direct retainer of the shogun) to daimyo (a feudal lord). Because of his success, the Edo Toyokawa Inari gained a reputation for efficacy in career advancement, theft prevention, and finding lost items or missing persons. There's even a senryu (a short Japanese poem) that says, 'Ishikawa steals; Toyokawa doesn't let you.' After the Meiji period, Akasaka saw the development of a flourishing entertainment district with restaurants and geishas, leading to increased faith from those in the performing arts. Even today, it's known for attracting followers among celebrities, including those affiliated with Johnny & Associates, as well as prominent figures in the entertainment and sports worlds. Many famous people reportedly participate in the annual 'Setsubunkai' festival in February. While located in the heart of the city, stepping inside reveals a world apart from the urban bustle – a haven of tranquility.