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HOME > Japan’s Local Treasures > Toyokawa Inari Temple: A Power Spot with 1,000 Fox Statues
One of the three major Inari temples in Japan is a Buddhist fox temple in Aichi
Toyokawa City, Aichi Prefecture
Beyond Toyokawa Inari Temple’s ornate zelkova entrance and behind the main temple building lies a stunning sight. Around 1,000 stone statues of foxes, each wearing a bright red bib, populate a hillside known as Reikozuka.
Each fox statue has its own unique expression and was dedicated to the temple by someone whose wishes were fulfilled. Together, they watch over worshippers like guardians of the grounds.
Located in Toyokawa in eastern Aichi Prefecture, the temple is dedicated to Toyokawa Dakinishinten, a Buddhist wish-granting female deity often depicted riding a white fox. Many, however, visit the temple to also worship Inari, a Shinto deity of fertility, agriculture, and prosperity, who is also associated with foxes.
At Toyokawa Inari Temple, free guides are available to explain the temple’s history. You are also invited to join in a prayer ceremony, purchase a talisman, and enjoy Buddhist vegetarian cuisine in one of the ground’s Japanese-style rooms.
How to get there
The temple is less than one hour by train from Nagoya Station, or about a 5-minute walk from JR Toyokawa Station or Meitetsu Toyokawainari Station. Alternatively, it is 10 minutes by car from the Toyokawa Interchange (IC) on the Tomei Expressway.
1 Toyokawa-cho, Toyokawa-shi, Aichi-ken
