Hidden amidst the bamboo groves, the 三吉稲荷神社 (pronounced Sanyōshi Inari Jinja) beckons. This shrine, also known as the 映画神社 (Eiga Jinja) or “Movie Shrine,” holds a captivating secret. It intertwines with the history of Japanese cinema in a truly unique way. Located near the Katabira-no-tsuji Station in Kyoto’s Taikyoku-dori shopping district, the 三吉稲荷神社 isn’t your average Shinto shrine. It’s a testament to the dreams and struggles of those who shaped Japan’s silver screen.
The story begins in 1926, with a filmmaker named Koyo Mitsumine. He established a film studio on this very spot, then a bamboo forest. Later, in 1927, Nikkatsu Taikyo Film Studio opened its doors here. As the studio cleared the land, two forgotten deities emerged from the bamboo. These were Nakayama Hachiman and Sanyoshi Inari. These deities, almost lost to time, became central figures in the studio’s narrative. Strangely, small animals frequently appeared on the grounds, as if drawn to the sacred energy. In 1930, moved by these events, those connected to the studio erected shrines to honor both deities. Even today, the names of famous film stars who frequented the studio are engraved on the surrounding stones.
Over the years, Taikyo, along with other studios like Shochiku and Toei, flourished in Taikyo. They transformed this area into a hub of cinematic activity. So many films were produced that Taikyo earned the nickname, “Japan’s Hollywood.” In 1981, the Sanyoshi Inari and Nakayama Hachiman shrines were formally recognized as part of the Kibitsu Jinja. This recognition solidified their place in the local spiritual landscape.
In 1998, in honor of its rich cinematic history, Sanyoshi Inari Jinja received the nickname 映画神社 or “Movie Shrine.” Another significant event took place in 2001, further intertwining the shrine with Japanese film history. A monument honoring Shozo Makino, a pioneering filmmaker, was erected within the shrine grounds. He is often called the “Father of Japanese Cinema.” The inscription on the monument speaks to the enduring legacy of Makino and the area. It expresses the hope that the “Movie Shrine” in Taikyo will inspire the continued growth and development of Japanese cinema in the new millennium.
The story of 三吉稲荷神社 doesn’t end there. On December 1st, 2020, “Movie Day,” the local community, along with film industry figures and the Keihan Electric Railway, gathered at the shrine. They celebrated the role of cinema in enriching the local area. A newly installed ema (wooden prayer plaque) board featured a unique design. It showcased a “Kachinko” drawing, a symbolic blend of a winning lottery ticket (kachi) and a fox (kitsune, represented by “ko”). This symbolized good fortune in filmmaking, a fitting tribute to the “Movie Shrine.” The 三吉稲荷神社, therefore, isn’t just a place of worship. It’s a living monument to the magic of cinema. It stands as a reminder of how art, spirituality, and history can intertwine in unexpected and beautiful ways.