Guida
Toyokawa Inari Tokyo Betsuin is a Sodo sect Buddhist temple located in Moto-Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo. Its official name is 'Religious Corporation Toyokawa Kakumyo-ji,' and its mountain name is Enpukusan. While the name 'Inari' often leads people to associate it with Shinto shrines, this is a Buddhist temple dedicated to the deity Toyokawa Dakini Shinten. It is widely known by the name 'Toyokawa Inari' due to the imagery of a figure carrying rice ears and riding a white fox. It serves as a major center for prayers regarding business prosperity, family safety, and the attainment of good fortune.
The temple has a deep history, housing a branch spirit of the Toyokawa Inari that was famously worshipped by renowned historical figures such as Oda Nobunaga, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, and Tokugawa Ieyasu. In 1887, the temple was relocated from the Ooka residence in Akasaka Itsukitoki to its current location. During the Edo period, it was known that Lord Ooka Echizen-no-kami practiced faith here regularly, and the devotion to business prosperity and protection from misfortune spread widely among the common people. Today, it functions as a vital branch temple under the direct jurisdiction of Toyokawa Kak located in Aichi Prefecture, serving as a spiritual pillar in the urban area.
The temple grounds feature a main hall dedicated to the primary deity, Toyokawa Dakini Shinten, where various prayers for the fulfillment of wishes are conducted. The complex also includes buildings such as the Inari Kaikan and Horin-kaku, which showcase the structural elements of the temple. One of its most distinctive features is the seasonal events held throughout the year. Notable events include Hatsumode (New Year's visit) in January, Setsubun and Hatsuo festivals in February, the Kodomo Kannon Festival in May, and the Ooka Festival in September. Additionally, monthly markets (Ennichi) are held on the 1st and 22nd of each month, allowing visitors to witness traditional forms of daily devotion.
Toyokawa Inari Tokyo Betsuin opens its gates early in the morning, making it possible to visit during the quiet, peaceful hours of the dawn. The gates open at 5:00 AM, providing a precious moment of tranquility in the middle of the bustling city. Visiting during January or February allows you to experience traditional Japanese seasonal transitions through events like Hatsumode and Setsubun. Furthermore, regular activities such as the monthly Dokujo-kai (chanting sessions, held in April, July, and August) and the twice-monthly Shakyo (sutra copying) sessions offer excellent opportunities to engage with Buddhist practices.
The temple is also a venue for Buddhist wedding ceremonies. Ceremonies held in the formal main hall follow specific protocols and are offered in three distinct courses (100,000 JPY, 150,000 JPY, and 200,000 JPY). The temple also accepts applications for various memorial services, such as ancestral memorial services and Mizuko Kuyo. For those looking to connect more deeply with Buddhist teachings, the temple offers programs like the regular Shakyo (sutra copying) sessions and Dokujo-kai, which are part of its ongoing spiritual and cultural activities.
Toyokawa Inari Tokyo Betsuin is situated in the Akasaka and Nagatacho area of Minato-ku, Tokyo. The nearby Akasaka Police Station and National Route 246 (Aoyama-dori) are close by. While there are paid parking lots in the vicinity, the temple is easily accessible via public transportation. Visitors can enjoy the striking contrast between the modern urban functions of the Akasaka area and the serene, quiet environment of the temple.
Please follow general temple etiquette during your visit. While there is no specific dress code, modest and calm attire is recommended. If you wish to request a formal prayer (Gokito), please complete the reception at least 10 minutes before the start time. For groups of 10 or more from a corporation, prior contact is required. Payments can be made via cash, credit cards, or transportation IC cards. Regarding photography, please respect the rules and follow instructions regarding restricted areas within the temple grounds. The temple is equipped with barrier-free features, including wheelchair-accessible entrances and parking.