Who knew a busy god could have so many shrines? Welcome to Suzuki Inari Jinja. Today, we will explore a bit about Inari, the deity enshrined here.
Inari is a very busy god. He is the kami of rice cultivation. He also oversees tea and sake production. General prosperity and worldly success also fall under his domain. Inari is the patron deity of merchants and swordsmiths. He is even associated with brothels and entertainers.
Did you notice the fox statues around the Suzuki Inari Jinja? Foxes are closely linked to Inari. Originally, they were messengers. Over time, the lines blurred. Now, some consider the foxes to be depictions of the god Inari himself.
Smaller shrines like Suzuki Inari Jinja can be easy to miss. Larger shrines such as Fushimi Inari cover entire mountains. You will find smaller shrines tucked away in cities. They might be in a park or courtyard. Some even stand beside a road. These shrines often consist of a torii gate and a Hokora. A Hokora is a small shrine housing a kami or Dosojin. Dosojin protect travelers, pilgrims, and villages. They also protect individuals during transitional stages. Dosojin offer protection from epidemics and evil spirits.
Anamori Inari Jinja shares a similar story. Around 1804, locals cultivated rice paddies near Haneda Airport. Their headman was Suzuki Yagoemon. Levees built to keep out the sea were constantly breached. The villagers built a shrine dedicated to Inari Okami. After this, wave damage decreased and the rice paddies flourished.
Anamori Inari Jinja literally means hole protection. Waves opened holes in the levees. During the Edo Period, the shrine became popular among ladies of the night. It offered protection against venereal disease. In 1884, severe rainstorms almost destroyed the shrine. Rebuilding was successful. In 1886, the name officially changed from Anamori Inari Sha to Anamori Inari Jinja. A railway line was built to connect it with central Tokyo. The shrine’s homepage claims the railway specifically transported people to the shrine.
After Japan’s defeat in World War II, GHQ expanded Haneda Airport. In September 1945, they ordered all residents to leave within 48 hours. About 3,000 people were affected. The shrine was temporarily merged into Haneda Jinja. Shrine parishioners donated land. Temporary buildings were erected. The current buildings were erected in 1965.
As you leave Suzuki Inari Jinja, remember Inari’s diverse roles. May your visit bring you prosperity. May you also find success in your endeavors.