Imagine a time long ago. A small village begins to form. It seeks a guardian. That is how the story of the Sawahara Inari Shrine begins.
Today we stand before the Sawahara Inari Shrine. It is located in Katsushika Ward Tokyo. This Shinto shrine has a history stretching back centuries.
Local lore says the shrine was founded during the Keicho era. That’s between 1596 and 1614. This period marked the beginning of the Sawahara village. Villagers established the shrine to protect their new home. However its exact origins are unconfirmed.
Records offer a glimpse into the shrine’s past. A 1695 survey mentions “Inari Daimyojin”. This translates to Inari Great Bright God. By 1823 the shrine was recorded as having no resident priest.
Throughout its history the Sawahara Inari Shrine has seen many changes. The main building was rebuilt between 1644 and 1647. It underwent repairs and renovations over the years. In 1935 the main hall was renovated. The worship hall was moved from the Takagi Shrine.
The name “Sawahara” itself tells a story. It first appeared in records during the Genroku era. This suggests the area was developed in the early Edo period. “Sawahara” means “sandy field”. This reflects the area’s geography. It was once a sandy area formed as Tokyo’s lowlands emerged from the sea.
Until 1889 Sawahara was known as Sawahara Village. Later it became part of Aoki Village. Then it was divided between Aoki Village and Minazuka Village. In 1932 it became part of the newly formed Katsushika Ward.
The Sawahara Inari Shrine is also connected to the Okameari Inari Shrine. The Okameari Inari Shrine oversees many shrines in Katsushika and Edogawa. The Sawahara Inari Shrine is one of these.
So as you stand here consider the Sawahara Inari Shrine’s long journey. From a small village shrine to its place today. It has been a silent witness to the changing landscape of Tokyo.