Do you see those vermilion torii gates? They mark the entrance to Tamatsukuri Inari Shrine. This isn’t just another shrine. Tamatsukuri Inari Shrine is deeply woven into Osaka’s history. It’s a place where ancient traditions meet the modern city.
Tamatsukuri Inari Shrine’s story began long ago in 12 BCE. Emperor Suinin dedicated it to Shitateru Hime. Legend says that Shotoku Taishi planted a white chestnut stick here in 587. He declared that if he won the battle for Buddhism’s acceptance, the stick would sprout leaves. Remarkably it did and Shotoku won. This solidified Buddhism’s place in Japan.
The shrine has faced many challenges. Fires destroyed it in 1576 and again in 1615. Yet, it was always rebuilt. When Hideyoshi built Osaka Castle, he made Tamatsukuri Inari Shrine its protector. It was then known as Toyotsu Inari Shrine.
Here, Inari isn’t just a deity. Inari is a protector of household wellbeing and business prosperity. The name Inari means “reaping of rice”. This highlights rice’s importance in Japanese life.
Look around. Notice the fox statues? Foxes are considered Inari’s messengers. They often hold keys jewels or sheaves of rice in their mouths. People offer rice sake and fried tofu to please these messengers. Fried tofu is believed to be a favorite food of foxes.
Unlike many Inari shrines, Tamatsukuri Inari Shrine does not enshrine a branch of Fushimi Inari Taisha. Toyotomi Hideyoshi a devout follower of Inari relocated residents from Fushimi to Tamatsukuri. This made Tamatsukuri Inari Shrine particularly important.
From the Edo period until World War II, foxes were common around the shrine. Locals would leave offerings of fried tofu and rice with red beans along Inari-suji. They would call out “Nosengyo-ya” meaning “field alms here”.
Let’s explore the sub-shrines. There’s Manken Inari Shrine and Shinyama Inari Shrine. These shrines were consolidated during the Tokugawa period. We also have Itsukushima Shrine, dedicated to Ichikishimahime-no-mikoto a goddess of beauty and safe navigation.
Don’t miss Hideyori Toyotomi’s Placenta Tomb Daimyojin Shrine. It honors the ties of fate and family bonds. People write wishes on Sanada cord and tie it to the shrine. There’s also the Plum Blossom God where people pray for healing and longevity.
Notice the magatama curved jewel motif throughout the shrine? It replaces the wish-fulfilling jewel found at other Inari shrines. These jewels adorn lanterns roof tiles and amulets. Tamatsukuri Inari Shrine even has a small museum about the history of magatama.
Tamatsukuri Inari Shrine offers a glimpse into Osaka’s soul. It shows us the enduring power of faith. Take a moment to appreciate this special place. It has been cherished for centuries.