
Toyokawa Inari Shrine
A 15th-century Buddhist temple famous for its thousands of mystical stone fox statues and a grand torii gate.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful

Toyokawa Inari Shrine
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 15th-century Buddhist temple famous for its thousands of mystical stone fox statues and a grand torii gate.
"The shrine is beautiful & give a mystery feel with all the kitsune statues. Its not crowded as well."

🎯 Embrace the Fox Statues
Don't miss the thousands of stone foxes, many with red bibs! They create a truly unique and mystical vibe .
🚆 Easy Train Access
The shrine is a simple walk from JR or Meitetsu stations in Toyokawa city, making it convenient to reach .

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Thousands of Stone Foxes
Reiko-zuka
Be mesmerized by countless stone fox statues, many adorned with red bibs, creating a mystical and unique atmosphere .

The Grand Torii Gate
Main Entrance
A striking, bold torii gate marks the entrance, setting a dramatic and spiritual tone for your visit.

Serene Temple Grounds
Main Shrine Area
Explore the immaculate grounds of this 15th-century Buddhist temple, offering a peaceful and beautiful spiritual experience .
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for Tranquility
Getting There: A Smooth Journey
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Embrace the Fox Statues
Don't miss the thousands of stone foxes, many with red bibs! They create a truly unique and mystical vibe.
🚆 Easy Train Access
The shrine is a simple walk from JR or Meitetsu stations in Toyokawa city, making it convenient to reach.
✍️ Shrine Stamp Collection
If you collect shrine stamps, this is a great place to add one to your book.
🚶 Explore the Walking Street
The street leading up to the shrine is also relaxing and interesting to explore.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Embrace the Fox Statues
Don't miss the thousands of stone foxes, many with red bibs! They create a truly unique and mystical vibe.
🚆 Easy Train Access
The shrine is a simple walk from JR or Meitetsu stations in Toyokawa city, making it convenient to reach.
✍️ Shrine Stamp Collection
If you collect shrine stamps, this is a great place to add one to your book.
🚶 Explore the Walking Street
The street leading up to the shrine is also relaxing and interesting to explore.
🙏 Blessings for Business & Family
This shrine is known for blessings related to business prosperity, family well-being, and safe travels.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Toyokawa Inari Shrine for its beautiful, serene, and mystical atmosphere, particularly highlighting the thousands of unique fox statues and the immaculate upkeep of the grounds. The convenient access from nearby cities and the peaceful walking street leading to the shrine are also frequently mentioned positives.
"Heard that it was one of the top 3 Inari shrine in Japan. So I came here as a day trip from Nagoya which took almost 2 hours to get here. The shrine is beautiful & give a mystery feel with all the kitsune statues. Its not crowded as well.
Given that it takes 2 hours one way, you can consider to skip it if needed"
May K
"This place was so beautiful. The upkeep of the site is immaculate. The power spot with the fox statues are simply amazing and a great place to relax. The walking street leading up to it was relaxing to explore as well. Simply a great way to spend my morning. I like how it is such a simple walk from either JR or Meitetsu which stop near the walking street. I liked I was able to get my shrine stamp for my shrine stamp book."
Scott Combs
"Myogon-ji Temple is excellent place to visit in Toyokawa city."
Kim Tama
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Toyokawa Inari Shrine is accessible via a day trip from Nagoya, but it takes approximately two hours each way by train. You can take either the JR or Meitetsu lines to Toyokawa city, with stations conveniently located near the shrine's walking street.
Yes, the shrine is easily accessible from both JR and Meitetsu train stations in Toyokawa city. A pleasant walking street leads up to the shrine, making the final approach enjoyable.
The most common and convenient way to reach Toyokawa Inari Shrine is by train. Both JR and Meitetsu lines serve Toyokawa city, offering good connectivity.
While driving is an option, public transportation via train is highly recommended for ease of access and to avoid potential parking challenges, especially during busy periods.
Both JR and Meitetsu lines are convenient. Check local train schedules for the most direct routes and travel times from your starting point.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Toyokawa Inari Shrine is generally free to enter, allowing visitors to explore its beautiful grounds and admire the numerous fox statues without an admission fee.
The shrine grounds are typically open throughout the day, allowing for visits at various times. However, specific building hours or facilities might vary, so it's advisable to check for any updated information if you plan to visit specific areas.
No, advance booking is not required for general entry to Toyokawa Inari Shrine as it is a public space. You can visit spontaneously.
While the shrine itself is free, special festivals or events might have associated activities or areas that could potentially have separate arrangements. It's best to check the official shrine calendar for any such occurrences.
Yes, you can get your shrine stamp for your collection at Toyokawa Inari Shrine, which is a popular activity for visitors.
🎫 ⛩️ Onsite Experience
The most striking feature is the thousands of stone fox statues, many adorned with red bibs, creating a mystical and unforgettable sight. The serene temple grounds and the grand torii gate are also significant draws.
Visitors often describe the atmosphere as beautiful, serene, peaceful, and mystical, with a sense of mystery due to the abundance of fox statues.
Absolutely! The unique fox statues, the grand torii gate, and the tranquil temple grounds offer numerous picturesque opportunities for photography.
The 'fox spirits' refer to the numerous stone statues of foxes (kitsune), which are considered messengers of Inari, the Shinto deity of rice, sake, and prosperity. They are a central visual element of the shrine.
Reiko-zuka is an area within Toyokawa Inari Shrine that is particularly known for its dense collection of stone fox statues, creating a captivating and somewhat eerie landscape.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the walking street leading up to the shrine often features various food stalls and local eateries, especially during busy periods like the beginning of the year. You can find local snacks and dishes.
Expect to find traditional Japanese street food and local specialties. During peak times, the area can be bustling with food vendors.
While there might be small eateries or stalls, the focus is more on the spiritual experience. It's best to explore the walking street for dining options.
It's generally acceptable to bring your own food for a picnic in designated areas, but always be mindful of keeping the shrine grounds clean and respectful.
Options can vary greatly at street food stalls. It's advisable to inquire directly with vendors about ingredients if you have dietary restrictions.
📸 📸 Photography
The thousands of stone foxes, especially in Reiko-zuka, offer unique photographic opportunities. The grand torii gate and the serene temple architecture are also highly photogenic.
Photography rules can vary for specific areas within the shrine. It's always best to look for signage or ask temple staff if you are unsure about where photography is permitted.
Early morning or late afternoon can offer softer light and fewer crowds, enhancing the mystical atmosphere for your photos. Golden hour can be particularly beautiful.
Drone usage is typically restricted at religious sites in Japan to ensure the peace and safety of visitors. It's highly unlikely to be permitted at Toyokawa Inari Shrine.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the scale of the fox statue areas and the torii gate. A standard zoom lens is versatile for general shots of the temple grounds. A tripod might be useful for low-light conditions, but be mindful of crowds.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the spiritual aspect might be less engaging for very young children, the sheer number of fox figures provides a memorable visual. Consider bringing snacks and drinks, as dining options might be more geared towards adult tastes. The easy train access from nearby cities also makes it a manageable day trip for families.
🚶 Solo Travelers
Collecting a shrine stamp can be a rewarding solo activity. You can also take your time to absorb the spiritual ambiance and capture stunning photographs without feeling rushed. The walking street provides a pleasant prelude or post-visit experience.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Aim for early morning or late afternoon light to capture the mystical atmosphere. Consider a wide-angle lens to encompass the vastness of the fox statue areas and a standard zoom for detailed shots of the temple structures. Be mindful of other visitors and look for less crowded angles to compose your shots.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Significance of the Fox Statues
The sheer number and density of these fox figures, particularly in areas like Reiko-zuka, create a unique and somewhat mystical atmosphere that is a hallmark of the shrine. Visitors often find the sight both intriguing and deeply spiritual. The presence of these statues underscores the shrine's role as a place of prayer for business success and safe journeys.
Interacting with these fox statues is a key part of the visitor experience. Many people take photos, and some even leave offerings. The visual impact of thousands of these figures together is a powerful reminder of the shrine's deep cultural and religious significance in Japan.
A Day Trip from Nagoya: Is It Worth It?
While the shrine is described as beautiful, serene, and offering a mysterious feel with its fox statues, the travel time might lead some visitors to question its feasibility. If you have limited time in the region or prefer to explore closer attractions, you might consider prioritizing other destinations. However, for those who are particularly drawn to Inari shrines or wish to experience this unique spiritual site, the journey can be rewarding.
To make the most of a day trip, it's advisable to start early and plan your train schedule meticulously. Consider combining your visit with a brief exploration of Toyokawa city itself. If you decide to skip it due to the travel time, there are other significant Inari shrines closer to major cities like Kyoto and Tokyo.
The Spiritual Significance of Toyokawa Inari
The practice of praying at this temple is believed to bring good fortune and rejuvenation to visitors. The presence of numerous fox statues, considered messengers of the deity, adds to the mystical and spiritual ambiance of the grounds. This blend of Buddhist tradition and Shinto reverence for Inari creates a unique spiritual experience for visitors.
Many visitors come to Toyokawa Inari seeking divine intervention for their personal and professional lives. The serene environment, coupled with the tangible presence of spiritual symbols like the fox statues, provides a space for reflection and prayer, making it a deeply meaningful destination for many.





Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit