Anamori Inari Shrine (穴守稲荷神社) is a historic Inari shrine in Ota City, Tokyo, located just minutes from Haneda Airport. It is best known for its rows of vermilion torii gates, and it has long been revered as a power spot — today drawing worshippers and visitors of all generations, from locals praying for safety and success to travelers seeking one of Tokyo’s most photogenic shrine scenes.
Its red torii corridor is often compared to Kyoto’s famous Fushimi Inari. While Fushimi Inari is far larger, with thousands of gates winding up a mountain, Anamori Inari has a rare advantage: it is one of the only shrines you can reach in about 15 minutes from Haneda Airport, which makes it an easy first stop, last stop, or layover detour in Tokyo.
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!
Visiting on a Haneda Layover
One of the best things about Anamori Inari is how easy it is to reach from the airport. From Haneda Airport Terminal 3 Station, it’s just two stops — about 4 minutes — on the Keikyu Airport Line to Anamori-Inari Station, followed by a 3-minute walk. On our own layover we made it there and back well within a couple of hours, with plenty of time to walk the torii gates, take photos, and receive a goshuin.
If you have a long connection at Haneda, or you’re heading into the city at the start or end of your trip, it’s a low-stress way to fit a genuine Japanese shrine — and those red-torii photos — into your day. Just note that the amulet and goshuin desk is open 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, so time your visit within those hours if you want a red seal or the shrine’s famous sacred sand.
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.
Check Other Shinto Shrine!
Planning a shrine visit? If you’re unsure how to bow, clap, or make an offering once you’re at the shrine, read our step-by-step guide on how to pray at a Japanese shrine, explained by a Shinto priest at Yushima Tenjin in Tokyo.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get to Anamori Inari Shrine from Haneda Airport?
From Haneda Airport Terminal 3 Station, take the Keikyu Airport Line two stops (about 4 minutes) to Anamori-Inari Station; the shrine is a 3-minute walk from there. From central Tokyo it is roughly 15 minutes from Shinagawa Station on the same line.
Is Anamori Inari Shrine worth visiting on a layover?
Yes. It is one of the few shrines you can reach in about 15 minutes from Haneda, so even a short layover leaves time to walk the red torii gates, take photos, and receive a goshuin before heading back to the airport.
Can you get a goshuin at Anamori Inari Shrine?
Yes. Goshuin (red seals) and amulets are available at the shrine office from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. The shrine’s famous “Anamori no Suna” sacred sand, believed to bring protection and good fortune, can also be received here.
What is the legend of the Anamori Inari torii gate?
When Haneda Airport was expanded, workers repeatedly tried to remove the shrine’s torii gate but met with accidents and aircraft trouble, so it was left standing for decades. It was finally relocated to the current shrine grounds in the early 2000s — this time without any incident.
Is Anamori Inari like Fushimi Inari in Kyoto?
Both are Inari shrines lined with red torii gates, but Kyoto’s Fushimi Inari is far larger, with thousands of gates winding up a mountain. Anamori Inari’s torii corridor is short (about 20 meters), yet it is far more accessible — right beside Haneda Airport in Tokyo, making it the easiest place to see red torii gates in the capital.
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