Sasuke Inari Shrine｜The Complete Guide to Kamakura’s Hidden Village Shrine, Renowned as a Power Spot for Success in Life

Sasuke Inari Shrine, located in a hidden village in Kamakura, is popularly known as “Sasuke Inari” because of the legend that it led Minamoto no Yoritomo to success in life. 49 vermilion torii gates line the fantastic approach to the shrine, and the numerous white foxes enshrined in the grounds invite visitors to enter another world. Located deep in a residential area, this mysterious space still retains the atmosphere of a hidden village in Kamakura, and attracts many worshippers who wish for success in life.

Outline and basic information about Sasuke Inari Shrine

Sasuke Inari Shrine is an Inari Shrine located in Sasuke, Kamakura, Kanagawa Prefecture, and is currently a concurrent shrine of Goryo Shrine. Located between the Zenarai Benzaiten Ugafuku Shrine and the Great Buddha of Kamakura, the shrine continues to be loved by many as a sacred space spreading out behind a quiet residential area.

The temple grounds are surrounded by deep greenery, and its location on the side of a mountain creates a tranquil environment that makes people forget that they are in an urban area. The shrine used to be a subordinate shrine of Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, but in 1909 it became an independent shrine and has remained so to this day.

History and Origin

The story behind the founding of Sasuke Inari Shrine dates back to the turbulent period of the late Heian Period. Minamoto no Yoritomo, who was exiled to Hirugako-jima Island in Izu after the Heiji Disturbance, was ill when an old man who called himself “Inari of the Hidden Village” appeared to him in his dream. It is said that this old man was the spirit of Inari, and that he told Yoritomo that the time had come to defeat the Heike and urged him to raise his army.

Yoritomo was called “Sadono” in his younger days, and the name “Sasuke Inari” was given to the deity who saved him. There is also a theory that the name of the place, “Sasuke,” is a variant of “Sankegatani,” which was called “Sankegatani” because of the residences of the three “Sasuke” (Kamisuke, Chiba Sasuke and Miura Sasuke).

Yoritomo, who defeated the Heike clan and established the Kamakura shogunate as a barbarian general, ordered the construction of a shrine to express his gratitude to the deity Inari. According to shrine legend, Yoritomo ordered his vassal Hatakeyama Shigetada to rebuild the shrine at its present location during the Kengyu period. Because of this historical background, Sasuke Inari Shrine has come to be known for its blessings for success in life.

Deities and Benefits

The main deity of Sasuke Inari Shrine is Ukanomitama, the deity enshrined as the central deity of the Inari faith. Uganomikoto is widely worshipped as the god of good harvest and prosperous business. Sasuke Inari Shrine is especially famous for its legend concerning Minamoto no Yoritomo’s success in life, which is said to have brought him luck in business and success in life.

Based on the historical fact that Minamoto no Yoritomo rose from exile to the rank of barbarian general, the shrine has been worshipped as “Success Inari” by many people. Even today, the shrine continues to attract worshippers who wish for promotions, job changes, and business success. In addition, the fox, a messenger of the god Inari, is believed to bring blessings for the health of pets and for their memorial services, and there are many pet-related charms and ema (votive picture tablet).

A spring of fresh water called “Reiko-zensen” (Reiko-zensen) springs within the temple grounds and is also considered sacred. Visitors can pray not only for success in life, but also for safety in the home, protection from bad luck, and prosperity in business, and the shrine is well known for its open-mindedness in accepting a variety of wishes.

Sasuke Inari Shrine Highlights

Sasuke Inari Shrine is known as one of the most impressive shrines in Kamakura, and its most distinctive feature is the mysterious atmosphere that pervades the entire shrine grounds. The shrine’s sacred area, which suddenly appears after passing through a residential area, invites visitors to step out of their daily lives into an extraordinary world. The shrine grounds are built on the slope of a mountain, making use of the natural topography to create a unique spatial composition.

The layout of the temple grounds, leading from the approach to the hall of worship and then to the main shrine, is designed to allow visitors to gradually increase their sense of sacredness as they proceed. Stone statues of white foxes and foxholes placed throughout the shrine grounds also play an important role as symbols of the Inari faith, creating a distinctive landscape unique to Sasuke Inari Shrine.

Fantastic approach with 49 vermilion torii gates

The most symbolic sight at Sasuke Inari Shrine is the 49 vermilion torii gates that line the approach to the shrine. This group of torii leading from the entrance of the residential area to the shrine grounds creates a fantastic atmosphere, like an entrance to another world. The sensation of being led step by step from the mundane world to the Shinto realm as one passes through each torii gate is a unique experience that cannot be experienced at any other shrine.

The vermilion torii gates were dedicated by believers and worshippers, and each one represents the wishes of the dedicatees. The vermilion torii gates standing side by side on the mountain slopes surrounded by deep greenery create a beautiful landscape where natural greenery and man-made vermilion are in perfect harmony, captivating the hearts of many photo enthusiasts and tourists.

Especially in the morning when the sun shines through the trees and in the soft light of the evening, the torii gates shine with an even more mysterious radiance. Each torii gate is inscribed with the name and wish of the person who dedicated it, testifying to the shrine’s history of being loved by many people over the years.

A white fox and a sacred fox spring enshrined in the precincts of the shrine

Within the precincts of Sasuke Inari Shrine, a number of stone statues are placed in the shape of foxes, the messengers of the god Inari. These statues of white foxes of various sizes are enshrined here and there on the shrine grounds, standing guard over visitors. Especially around the main shrine, there are many white foxes placed in various places, which shows the depth of the Inari faith.

Many of the white fox statues were dedicated by visitors to the shrine, and each one represents the thoughts and feelings of the person who dedicated it. These fox statues are not mere decorations, but are considered sacred as messengers of the gods, and worshippers pay their respects to them as well.

A spring of fresh water called “Reiko-Spring” is located within the temple grounds, and this water is considered sacred. The spring water never runs dry throughout the year and has long been enjoyed by the local people. Even today, many worshippers purify their hands in this spring water or take it home in plastic bottles they have brought with them. The water from the Reikokusen spring is believed to be especially effective in praying for the health of pets, and is popular among worshippers who have pets.

Sacred precincts surrounded by the serenity of a hidden village

The reason why Sasuke Inari Shrine is called “Hidden Village” is due to its location and the atmosphere of the shrine grounds. Although not far from the center of Kamakura, the shrine is located deep in a residential area, and the topography, combined with its location halfway up a mountain, creates a quiet space completely detached from the hustle and bustle of the city.

The temple grounds are surrounded by moss-covered stone steps, old stone lanterns, and aged trees, maintaining a sacred atmosphere as if time has stood still. Especially in the early morning and evening, when there are few visitors, only the chirping of birds and the rustling of trees can be heard, creating an environment truly befitting a hidden village.

Behind the hall of worship is a stone staircase that leads to the main shrine building further up. The main shrine is located in a secluded area covered with trees, giving it an even more sacred atmosphere. Old stone structures and stone monuments are scattered throughout the precincts of the shrine, giving it the appearance of a shrine with a long history. In addition, from the precincts of the shrine, there is a panoramic view of the city of Kamakura, giving visitors a sense of the shrine’s special location as a hidden village.

Guide to Worship

Sasuke Inari Shrine is free to enter the premises and no entrance fee is required. The shrine is visited by many worshippers who wish for success in life and prosperity in business, and visitors can pay their respects to the gods in the traditional way of worship as an Inari shrine. In recent years, the shrine has also become known for pet memorial services and pet-related prayers, and is popular among pet owners who wish for the health of their beloved pets and for memorial services.

When visiting the shrine, it is recommended that visitors purify their minds as they pass through the 49 torii gates, then visit the hall of worship before continuing on to the main shrine. Since the temple grounds are built on the slope of a mountain, visitors are advised to wear comfortable walking shoes.

Worship Etiquette and Manners

The manner of worship at Sasuke Inari Shrine is the same as at most Shinto shrines. When passing through the torii gate, bow and walk away from the center of the path. Especially at Sasuke Inari Shrine, where there are 49 torii gates in a row, it is advisable to bow lightly at each gate as you proceed.

After purifying your hands and mouth at the hand- and mouth-watering booth, go to the hall of worship and pray in the manner of “ni-ai-ni-hate-ichi” (two beats for one worship). Many people come to Inari Shrine to pray for prosperity and success in business, and it is recommended that you chant your specific goals and wishes in your mind as you visit the shrine.

Since many statues of white foxes are enshrined in the shrine grounds, it is important to pay respect to these as well and to use moderation when taking pictures. Also, when drawing water from the Reitokusen, please be considerate of other visitors. Since the temple grounds are adjacent to a residential area, it is important to refrain from loud conversations and noise, and to try to maintain a quiet atmosphere.

Pet memorial services and pet-related awards

Sasuke Inari Shrine is known as one of the few shrines in Kamakura that offers pet memorial services. The shrine is named after the fox, a messenger of the god Inari, and is believed to bring special blessings for health and memorial services for pets, attracting many pet lovers to the shrine.

A wide variety of pet-related gifts are available, including special amulets for pets and ema (votive picture tablet) for pets. These gifts are distributed after being purified by a priest, and are popular among pet owners who wish for the health and longevity of their beloved pets. Pet ema, on which visitors can affix a photo of their beloved pets or write their names and wishes, are dedicated in the precincts of the shrine.

Pet memorial services also allow visitors to pray for the repose of the souls of pets that have already passed away, and the water from the Reikokusen spring is especially good for the health of pets. Pets are welcome to accompany visitors to the shrine, but they must be kept on a leash and must visit the shrine quietly, out of consideration for other visitors and the environment of the shrine grounds.

Red Seal and Good Luck Charm Information

Sasuke Inari Shrine offers red seals, which can be obtained at the shrine office. The initial charge for red seals is 300 yen, and they are available from 10:00 to 16:00. If you wish to receive a red seal written in black ink, it is recommended to check in advance as it is handled at Goryo Shrine, which is a concurrently operated shrine.

Most of the amulets are related to success in business and prosperity in business, and special amulets related to the legend of Minamoto no Yoritomo are also available. Amulets for improving one’s work luck and for promotion are especially popular and sought after by many worshippers. The aforementioned pet-related amulets are also available in abundance, with a variety of talismans for the health and longevity of pets available.

In addition to the standard ema (votive tablet) for wishes, there are also special ema for pets, which can be dedicated with the photo and name of a beloved pet. These ema are hung in designated areas within the temple precincts, and visitors can see the wishes of many people being expressed.

Access and use information

Sasuke Inari Shrine is within walking distance of Kamakura Station, but because it is located deep in a residential area, it is easy to get lost on your first visit. Access by public transportation is recommended, and those considering visiting by car should confirm parking in advance.

The temple grounds are located halfway up a mountain, with stone steps and slopes, so it is recommended that visitors wear comfortable walking clothes and shoes. Insect repellent may also be required depending on the season.

Access

To get to Sasuke Inari Shrine, take the West Exit of Kamakura Station on the JR Tokaido Honsen Line and walk about 20 minutes. The most common route out of the West Exit of Kamakura Station is along Onari Street, heading in the direction of Sasuke. On the way, you can also visit the Senarai Benzaiten Ugafukujinja Shrine with its informative signboards for your reference.

By bus, you can also take the Keikyu Bus from Kamakura Station and get off at the Sasuke Inari-mae stop. However, the number of buses is limited, so you need to check the bus schedule. Access on foot is more reliable, and you can enjoy the sights and sounds of Kamakura as you make your way to the shrine.

Since the route passes through residential areas, we recommend that you use a map or the navigation function of your smartphone. Especially on your first visit to the shrine, you will not get lost if you follow the information sign of Sasuke Inari Shrine. Knowing the location of the shrine in relation to other tourist attractions in Kamakura will help you plan an efficient sightseeing route.

<Address> 2-22-12 Sasuke, Kamakura-shi, Kanagawa-ken 248-0017

Hours of worship, fees and parking information

Sasuke Inari Shrine is free to enter and there are no set visiting hours, but red seals and amulets are available at the shrine office from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Early morning and evening visits are possible, but for safety reasons and out of consideration for the neighborhood, it is recommended to visit the shrine during daylight hours.

There is no admission fee, and anyone is free to enter the temple grounds. Money offerings, red seals, and amulets are optional and can be paid according to one’s own feelings. For pet-related prayers and amulets, a separate first fee may be required, so please check with the shrine office for details.

There is no parking lot dedicated to the shrine, so visitors arriving by car will need to use coin-operated parking in the neighborhood. There are several paid parking lots in the vicinity of Kamakura Station, but since crowding is expected during the tourist season and on weekends, public transportation is recommended. In addition, the road to the temple grounds passes through a narrow residential area, making access by large vehicles difficult.

Visitors are advised to wear comfortable walking shoes when visiting the shrine, as the temple grounds are located on a mountain slope and there are stone steps. The elderly and those with limited mobility should take it easy and enjoy visiting the temple at their own pace.

Refer to the following websites

Sasuke Inari Shrine official website: https://sasukeinari.jp/
Kanagawa Prefectural Shrine Office: https://www.kanagawa-jinja.or.jp/shrine/1205021-000/
Kamakura City Tourism Association: https://www.trip-kamakura.com/place/157.html