Just 25 minutes by train from Nagoya, the Sankō Inari Shrine, located at the foot of Inuyama Castle, is a popular matchmaking spot known for its pink heart-shaped ema and numerous red torii gates. With attractions like money washing for financial luck and the Omokaru Stone for wish divination, it's full of highlights. Visiting alongside the adjacent Haritsuna Shrine allows you to feel the history and faith of Inuyama.
Highlights of Sankō Inari Shrine
Sankō Inari Shrine has a rich history as the guardian deity of the Inuyama Castle lord, the Naruse family. Recently, it has become a popular spot for young women and couples on social media. It is believed to bring blessings for matchmaking, financial success, and prosperous business.
Matchmaking Prayers with Heart Ema
The most popular feature of Sankō Inari Shrine is the pink heart-shaped ema. Within the shrine grounds, there is a fox statue dressed in a white apron, and behind it, a row of pink heart ema is displayed. The sacred atmosphere unique to Inari shrines, combined with the heartfelt wishes of visitors seeking matchmaking, creates a stunning sight. Ema can be purchased for 500 yen at the shrine office.
The heart ema are dedicated at Himekiji Shrine located within the grounds. It is known for blessings of good relationships, marital harmony, and family safety, making it a staple spot for couples and women's trips.
Tunnel of Red Torii Gates
Another highlight of Sankō Inari Shrine is the tunnel of red torii gates. Resembling the torii tunnel at Fushimi Inari Taisha in Kyoto, it also serves as the approach to Inuyama Castle. The names of donors are engraved on the torii pillars, creating a beautiful contrast of vermilion and white.
For great photos, stand in the center of the torii to emphasize depth. The symmetrical arrangement of the vermilion pillars allows anyone to capture an impressive shot.
Money Washing for Financial Luck
At the "Money Washing Pond" within the shrine, visitors can perform "money washing" by placing money in a basket and purifying it with sacred water. It is said that the washed money returns multiplied, making it popular among those wishing for financial luck.
To perform money washing, first pay 100 yen at the shrine office to borrow a candle and basket. After lighting the candle and praying, place the money in the basket and purify it in the pond's sacred water. It is believed that carrying the washed money in your wallet brings even more blessings. Some even wash lottery tickets.
Divining Wishes with Omokaru Stone
On the right side of the main hall is the "Omokaru Stone." While holding the stone and concentrating on a wish, if it feels lighter than expected, it is said that the wish will come true. This famous divination, also found at Fushimi Inari Taisha, attracts many visitors.
Visiting Haritsuna Shrine
Next to Sankō Inari Shrine is Haritsuna Shrine, a prestigious shrine mentioned in the "Engishiki," which has long been revered as one of the "Five Shrines of Owari." It is known for blessings of safe childbirth, childbearing, and warding off evil.
In 1537, Nobuyasu Oda, uncle of Nobunaga Oda, dedicated a hand-carved pair of guardian dogs for safe childbirth, leading to its reputation as a deity for safe delivery. Pregnant women are particularly believed to receive blessings when visiting on the dog days.
The shrine grounds feature an ema rack filled with ema from visitors wishing for safe childbirth and childbearing. The majestic shrine building with a green-blue roof contrasts with the vermilion of Sankō Inari Shrine, creating a serene atmosphere.
Inuyama Festival Float Event
The "Inuyama Festival," held on the first Saturday and Sunday of April, is the annual festival of Haritsuna Shrine. This grand festival features 13 floats, each about 8 meters tall, parading through the castle town, with the karakuri puppets showcased on top of the floats being a must-see. This festival is also registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Just above Sankō Inari Shrine is the National Treasure Inuyama Castle. It is recommended to visit the shrine along with the castle. I visited Haritsuna Shrine after exploring Inuyama Castle.
Basic Information for Sankō Inari Shrine
Address: 65-18 Inuyama Kitakoken, Inuyama City, Aichi Prefecture
Phone Number: 0568-61-0702
Visiting Hours: Open grounds (Prayer reception 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM)
Recommended Visit Duration: About 30-60 minutes (combined for Sankō Inari Shrine and Haritsuna Shrine)
Goshuin: Sankō Inari Shrine 500 yen, Sarutahiko Shrine 500 yen, both shrines 800 yen
Goshuin Reception Hours: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Ema: Heart ema 500 yen
Basic Information for Haritsuna Shrine
Address: 65-1 Inuyama Kitakoken, Inuyama City, Aichi Prefecture
Phone Number: 0568-61-0180
Visiting Hours: Open grounds (Prayer reception 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM)
Goshuin: 500 yen
Access Information
The best way to reach Sankō Inari Shrine and Haritsuna Shrine is by using the Meitetsu Inuyama Line.
Recommended Route: From Inuyama Station via Castle Town
The recommended route is to walk from the west exit of Inuyama Station along Honmachi Street in Castle Town. Enjoying the retro townscape, you will arrive at the shrine in about 15 minutes. You can also enjoy food stalls and souvenir shopping along the way, making it a sightseeing trip.
Access from Nagoya
From Meitetsu Nagoya Station to Inuyama Station, it takes about 25 minutes by express train (fare: 630 yen). It also takes about 30-35 minutes by rapid express or express train. For detailed access information, please refer to the articles below.
