Anamori Inari Shrine: Hidden Gem Near Haneda You Can’t Miss If you’re visiting Tokyo and looking for a unique and tranquil spot, Anamori Inari Shrine in Ota City, near Haneda Airport, is highly recommended. Known as a power spot, this shrine offers a distinctive sight with its many torii gates lined up. Recently, it has also become famous as a photo spot for social media. A Brief History of Anamori Inari Shrine Anamori Inari Shrine dates back to the late Edo period. It was originally established to honor Inari Okami, the deity of agriculture and rice, and to protect the fields and homes in the area. During the reclamation of Suzuki Shinden, now part of Haneda Airport, a breach in the embankment caused significant damage. To safeguard the lands and ensure prosperity, the residents built the shrine. The main deity enshrined at Anamori Inari is Toyouke-hime-no-mikoto, a goddess of food from Japanese mythology. What is Toyouke-hime-no-mikoto? Toyouke-hime-no-mikoto is a noble deity, historically known for serving as the provider of food to Amaterasu Omikami, the sun goddess. She is enshrined at Anamori Inari Shrine and also at the Outer Shrine of Ise Grand Shrine, one of the most important and sacred Shinto shrines in Japan, located in Mie Prefecture. This highlights her significance in Japanese history and culture. Anamori Inari shrine was originally located within the current grounds of Haneda Airport. In 1945, it was requisitioned by the US military and merged with Haneda Shrine. Due to the devotion of its followers, land was donated for its relocation, and the current shrine building was reconstructed in 1965. Further renovations were completed in April 2020, ensuring that Anamori Inari Shrine remains a beautiful and serene place of worship. Highlights of Anamori Inari Shrine The Grand Torii Gate: One of the most striking features of the shrine is its large torii gate. The numerous torii gates lined up create a mystical atmosphere and have become a popular photo spot for social media in recent years. Speaking of torii gates, the Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto is renowned for its thousands of red gates, often topping the list of shrines that foreigners want to visit. While Anamori Inari’s gates span only about 20 meters, they still evoke the feeling of being at a traditional Inari shrine. The Sacred Sand (Omamori no Suna): The most famous blessing at Anamori Inari is the sacred sand, known as “Anamori no Suna.” It is believed that taking this sand home and sprinkling it around your house or carrying it with you brings protection and fulfillment of wishes. Sub-Shrines: In addition to the main hall, there are several sub-shrines on the grounds, each offering different blessings such as success, prosperity, and good fortune. Visitors can often pray at these sub-shrines for specific personal wishes. You can see panoramic view of the entire shrine by going up the stairs. The Legend of the Torii Gate Anamori Inari Shrine’s grand torii gate is surrounded by a fascinating legend. During the construction of Haneda Airport, efforts were made to remove the torii gate, which was originally located on the airport grounds. However, these attempts resulted in numerous accidents and strange occurrences. One notable incident involved workers who tried to remove the gate by tying ropes around it and pulling it down. The ropes mysteriously snapped, causing injuries and even fatalities among the workers. Additionally, there were reports of mechanical problems with aircraft on the days when attempts to remove the gate were made. Some even claimed to have seen countless foxes, considered messengers of the Inari deity, emerging from the gate, adding to the eerie atmosphere. As a result of these incidents, the decision was made to leave the torii gate in place. In 1954, the international airport terminal was constructed around the gate, and the runways were expanded. Despite these changes, the torii gate remained undisturbed, standing as a symbol of the shrine’s enduring presence and spiritual power. Interestingly, during the airport expansion in the early 2000s, the torii gate was finally relocated to the current shrine grounds. Unlike previous attempts, this relocation was completed without any issues or accidents, and nothing unusual happened at that time. The legend continues to capture the imagination of visitors and adds an intriguing layer of mystery to Anamori Inari Shrine. The torii gate served as a reminder of the shrine’s resilience and the respect it commanded, even in the face of modern development. Final Thoughts Anamori Inari Shrine is a place of historical significance and spiritual power. Whether you are using Haneda Airport or exploring Ota City, a visit to this shrine might bring you good fortune and a unique glimpse into Japan’s rich cultural heritage. Don’t miss the opportunity to experience the serene and mystical atmosphere of Anamori Inari Shrine. Explanations are written in English, so it’s easy to buy souvenirs! Access Information By Train: From Anamori-Inari Station: 3-minute walk from Anamori-Inari Station on the Keikyu Airport Line. From Tenkubashi Station: 5-minute walk from Tenkubashi Station on the Keikyu Airport Line and Tokyo Monorail Line. Time to Anamori-Inari Station: From Shinagawa Station: Approximately 15 minutes on the Keikyu Airport Line bound for Haneda Airport (Express). From Yokohama Station: Approximately 20 minutes on the Keikyu Line (transfer to the Airport Line at Keikyu Kamata). From Haneda Airport Terminal 3 Station: Approximately 4 minutes on the Keikyu Airport Line (2 stations). Opening and Closing Hours: Amulets and Goshuin (Red Seals): 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. Worship from Outside the Main Hall: 24 hours (The shrine grounds are always open to the public). Worship and Prayers Inside the Main Hall: 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.