Tokawa Inari Shrine
A hidden coastal shrine in Choshi, famous for its unique fish-shaped torii gate and breathtaking Pacific Ocean views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Best ocean views
Tokawa Inari Shrine
Best Time
Best ocean views
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A hidden coastal shrine in Choshi, famous for its unique fish-shaped torii gate and breathtaking Pacific Ocean views.
"This is a unique shrine on a hill on the outskirts of Togawa. The fish-shaped torii gate is unusual and popular. "
🎯 Drive for Easier Access
Driving is best, but parking can be tricky. Look for spots near the shrine rather than relying on the overgrown seaside path. :car:
👀 Look for the Fish!
The unique fish torii gate is the main draw. Keep an eye out for it, as the shrine itself can be hidden by trees. :eyes:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Fish-Shaped Torii Gate
Main entrance
A truly unique torii gate carved with sea bream and saury, symbolizing protection for the fishing community.
Ocean Views
Behind the shrine
The shrine offers a breathtaking, otherworldly view of the vast Pacific Ocean, especially on a clear day.
Intricate Wood Carvings
Torii gate and shrine
Admire the detailed professional craftsmanship of the wooden fish sculptures and other shrine elements.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Finding This Hidden Gem
A Shrine with a Unique Twist
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Drive for Easier Access
Driving is best, but parking can be tricky. Look for spots near the shrine rather than relying on the overgrown seaside path. :car:
👀 Look for the Fish!
The unique fish torii gate is the main draw. Keep an eye out for it, as the shrine itself can be hidden by trees. :eyes:
🚶♀️ Short Walk from Station
Accessible from Togawa Station on the Choshi Electric Railway, but signs are scarce. :train:
🏞️ Enjoy the Scenery
The shrine is situated in a bright plaza with stunning Pacific Ocean views. Perfect for a peaceful moment. :ocean:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Drive for Easier Access
Driving is best, but parking can be tricky. Look for spots near the shrine rather than relying on the overgrown seaside path. :car:
👀 Look for the Fish!
The unique fish torii gate is the main draw. Keep an eye out for it, as the shrine itself can be hidden by trees. :eyes:
🚶♀️ Short Walk from Station
Accessible from Togawa Station on the Choshi Electric Railway, but signs are scarce. :train:
🏞️ Enjoy the Scenery
The shrine is situated in a bright plaza with stunning Pacific Ocean views. Perfect for a peaceful moment. :ocean:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors are charmed by Tokawa Inari Shrine's unique fish-shaped torii gate and its stunning ocean views. While the journey to find it can be a bit of an adventure due to overgrown paths and limited signage, the distinctive carvings and the serene atmosphere make it a memorable stop.
"We had found this shrine on Google Maps before a short trip to Choshi and had planned to stop by, but almost passed it by. However, my husband spotted it and said, "There's some kind of fish up there..." so we were able to pay our respects.
We don't know the history of Chobokuri Inari Shrine, but as there are sea bream and saury on the torii gate, it is probably here to protect those involved in the fishing industry.
Looking up at it up close, you can see that it is quite a large sculpture.
The wooden carvings of the fish are well worth seeing, as they give you a glimpse of the professional work behind them."
le temps c'est de l'argent
"This is a unique shrine on a hill on the outskirts of Togawa.
The fish-shaped torii gate is unusual and popular.
This area used to be known as a stone quarry, and it is thought that stones were quarried here to build the port of Togawa.
There are many fossils buried here, and if you search a little, you can find fossils of clams and other shells among the stones, but now it is overgrown with brush.
There is a path to the shrine from the seaside, but the brush is deep and it is difficult to wade through it with people as tall as you.
The shrine is located in a bright plaza with a view of the Pacific Ocean, which creates a nice atmosphere.
You can get there from Togawa Station on the Choshi Electric Railway or from the townscape of Togawa on the west side, but there are no signs and it may be quite difficult to find.
The torii gates and shrine can be seen from the road by the sea, so if the approach to the shrine on the seaside was improved and many torii gates were erected, it would surely become a very popular place."
渡辺やすあき
"There's a torii gate just past a grassy area away from a residential area.
Behind the torii gate are lush trees...
It doesn't seem like there's a shrine there...
Exploring the trees, I suddenly see the shrine in an open space.
And what's more, behind the shrine is the vast Pacific Ocean.
It's a beautiful shrine that seems otherworldly, like it's not of this world.
And to my surprise, the torii gate is made of fish!
What's that all about?
I've visited hundreds of shrines, but this is the first time I've seen a torii gate like this.
I've been to Choshi dozens of times, so I wonder why I didn't know about it.
Next time I'm in Choshi, I'll buy a bento box and have lunch on a mat.
This was the most shocking shrine I've seen since Namba Yasaka Shrine in Osaka."
トム
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The shrine is accessible by car, though parking can be limited. It's also within walking distance of Togawa Station on the Choshi Electric Railway, but signage is minimal, making it potentially difficult to find. Driving is generally recommended for easier access.
Finding the shrine can be challenging. While visible from the coastal road, the entrance path can be overgrown. It's best to use GPS and look for the distinctive fish torii gate.
Choshi City is accessible by train, and the Choshi Electric Railway serves Togawa Station, which is near the shrine. Many visitors combine a visit with other Choshi attractions like Inubosaki Lighthouse.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there is no entrance fee to visit Tokawa Inari Shrine. It is a public space for visitors to explore and pay their respects.
The shrine is generally accessible at all times, as it is an outdoor location. However, visiting during daylight hours is recommended for the best experience and safety.
📸 📸 Photography
The most iconic photo opportunity is the fish-shaped torii gate. The panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean behind the shrine also make for stunning photographs.
Yes, photography is generally permitted at Tokawa Inari Shrine. Be respectful of the sacred nature of the site.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Its most distinctive feature is the torii gate adorned with elaborate carvings of fish, a symbol of protection for the local fishing industry. The shrine also offers beautiful ocean vistas.
Tokawa Inari Shrine is part of the coastal attractions in Choshi City. Nearby, you can visit the Inubosaki Lighthouse and explore the townscape.
The fish carvings, likely representing sea bream and saury, are believed to be offerings to protect those involved in the fishing industry, which is historically significant in the Togawa area.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚗 Road Trippers & Drivers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Significance of the Fish Torii Gate
These detailed wooden carvings are a testament to the skill of local artisans. The presence of these fish motifs transforms the traditional shrine gate into a vibrant symbol of the community's livelihood and its relationship with the ocean. It's a visual representation of the prayers and hopes of the people who depend on the sea for their sustenance.
Navigating to and Around the Shrine
For those relying on public transport, the shrine is within walking distance of Togawa Station on the Choshi Electric Railway.
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