Wondering where merchants once gathered to pray for success? Welcome to Shusse Inari Daimyojin Iwashiro Inakajinsha. This shrine has a rich history. It is closely tied to the prosperity of local businesses.
Shusse Inari Daimyojin Iwashiro Inakajinsha is located in Nihonbashi Horidomecho, Chuo-ku, Tokyo. In the Edo period, this area was known as Shinzaimokucho. That was where the shrine was originally located.
Let’s step back in time. Imagine the Edo era. The area around Shusse Inari Daimyojin Iwashiro Inakajinsha was full of lumber yards. That’s why it was called Shinzaimokucho.
In 1617, a group of people enshrined Inari from Fushimi Inari in Kyoto here. Kitajo Iesada and others served as caretakers. They prayed to Inari as their guardian deity. This marked the beginning of Shusse Inari Daimyojin Iwashiro Inakajinsha.
The shrine has survived many disasters. These include the Great Fire of Meireki in 1657. Also the Ansei Great Earthquake in 1854. Also the Great Kanto Earthquake in 1923. The shrine was also spared during the Pacific War.
The Great Kanto Earthquake destroyed the shrine building. Materials from the demolished Haiden of Yanagimori Shrine were used for reconstruction. The current building was completed in 1931.
Ichikawa Danjuro I, a famous Kabuki actor, frequented this shrine. Since then many shops and artists have visited. They all come to pray for success at Shusse Inari Daimyojin Iwashiro Inakajinsha.
Iwashiro Inari Shrine once stood in what is now Horidomecho. It has since been merged with Shusse Inari Daimyojin Iwashiro Inakajinsha. Locals continue to protect and maintain both shrines.
Every March, the first Horse Day festival is held. This event is jointly organized with Iwashiro Inari. The Horidomecho 1-chome neighborhood association also supports it. It is a testament to the enduring faith and traditions.
Shusse Inari Daimyojin Iwashiro Inakajinsha is a place of spiritual significance. It represents the hopes and dreams of merchants and performers. It is a beacon of resilience. It stands tall amidst Tokyo’s ever-changing landscape.