西之宮稲荷神社

Deep in the heart of Tokyo, a hidden gem awaits. Nishinomiya Inari Jinja Shrine stands as a testament to time and tradition. Let’s unravel the captivating story of this sacred place. Nishinomiya Inari Jinja Shrine, nestled in the Adachi ward, traces its origins back to 1574. The shrine’s location was once part of a vast floodplain. It transformed during the Edo period when the area became known as Yagoro-shinden village. This village was home to not one, not two, but three Inari shrines: Higashino-miya, Hondano-miya, and Nishino-miya. A Hikawa Jinja Shrine also graced the area. Records from the early Meiji era reveal that Nishino-miya originally served as a branch of Hondano Inari Jinja Shrine. However, as fate would have it, the grounds of Hondano-miya were later claimed for the Arakawa drainage channel. This led to its enshrinement within Nishino-miya in 1912, elevating Nishino-miya to the status of the area’s principal shrine. The shrine we stand before today, Nishinomiya Inari Jinja Shrine, further solidified its position when Higashino-miya joined it in 1870. Today, the main shrine houses Ukanomitama-no-Mikoto and Susanoo-no-Mikoto. Within the shrine grounds, three separate structures enshrine Takemikazuchi-no-Kami, Sugawara-no-Michizane, and Mizuhanome-no-Kami. Adding to the sacred tapestry, the Sengen Jinja Shrine, featuring the Fujizuka mound, enshrines Konohanasakuyahime-no-Mikoto. Nishinomiya Inari Jinja also boasts a Fujizuka mound, constructed in 1920. This mound is approximately three meters tall, crowned with lava rocks, and a stone altar. Imagine for a moment, the villagers gathering here, offering their prayers. They walk the same paths we do now, their lives intertwined with the rhythms of the shrine. The Fujizuka mound stands as a silent witness to their hopes and dreams. Despite facing adversity, including significant damage during World War II, Nishinomiya Inari Jinja has endured. Rebuilt and revitalized, the current shrine building dates back to 2000, a beacon of resilience and faith. As you explore the grounds of Nishinomiya Inari Jinja, take a moment to appreciate the layers of history beneath your feet. Each stone, each structure whispers tales of the past. This shrine, tucked away in the bustling city, is a place where time seems to stand still. Nishinomiya Inari Jinja Shrine invites you to connect with the spirit of old Tokyo.