⛩️ Chiyoho Inari Shrine

Chiyoho Inari Shrine, commonly known as "Chiyoho," is recognized alongside Kyoto's Fushimi Inari Taisha and Aichi's Toyokawa Inari as one of Japan's three major Inari shrines. With a history of 550 years, it enshrines the deities Daizo Daijin, Inari Daijin, and ancestral gods. It is said to be particularly effective in blessing business prosperity and family safety, attracting around 2 million pilgrims from Gifu Prefecture and beyond each year. The way to worship at Chiyoho Inari Shrine is somewhat unique. A distinctive feature is the offering of fried bean curd skins threaded with straw and candles to the deities. First, visitors purchase the fried bean curd skins and candles from shops near the entrance of the shrine. Then, they light a candle at the lantern area before proceeding to the worship hall to offer the incense money and fried bean curd skins to the deities, followed by their prayers. This is the customary way of worship at this shrine. Additionally, on the last day of each month, transitioning into the first day of the next month, a famous event called "Tsukiyosumi" (meaning the cross-month worship activity) is held. Many locals flock to the shrine to express gratitude for the blessings received during the past month and to pray for good fortune in the upcoming month, often participating in all-night worship. Along the approximately 700-meter worship path, there are around 120 shops, mainly restaurants, lined up. After worshiping, visitors can enjoy the pleasure of walking, eating, and shopping, making the entire area around the shrine lively throughout the year.

Every year, about 2 million people go on pilgrimage to pray for the prosperity of their businesses. The worship customs here involve offering oil money along with fried tofu skin, and candles as offerings. During the "Tsukiyoi-san" period, which spans from the end of the month to the beginning of the next, the surrounding area is lively all night long. After the worship, experiencing walking, eating, and shopping along the vibrant approach is also a pleasure.