⛩️ Iko Inari Shrine

The Wako Inari Shrine is located behind the Hōmyō-ji Temple on Wako Mountain. After passing through rows of red torii gates, you will arrive at the main hall. As it is an Inari shrine dedicated to the fox deity, people offer fried tofu skin, which foxes like to eat, as offerings during their worship. The Wako Inari Shrine was built around the year 800 AD. According to legend, when Master Jikaku was traveling through this area, he discovered a beam of light in the forest of Zoshigaya. As he approached the light, the beautiful deity "Inari" appeared before him. Inspired by the brilliance of the light, Master Jikaku built a hall here for worship and named it "Wako Inari Shrine."

The shrine office sells oil tofu skin and candles as offerings. A long corridor of red torii gates creates a mysterious atmosphere. Next to it is Hōmyō-ji Temple, which is recommended for a visit at the same time.