Ojiyama Makekirai Inari Shrine, Sasayama

Ojiyama Makekirai Inari shrine sits on a small hill overlooking the historic castle town of Tamba-Sasayama in Hyogo Prefecture. This unique Inari shrine derives its distinctive name from a fascinating legend about "the fox who hated to lose" (makekirai meaning "dislike losing"). According to local folklore dating back 170 years, sumo wrestlers from Sasayama repeatedly failed to win competitions until a mysterious unknown wrestler appeared and secured victory for the town. This champion was revealed to be a fox spirit who transformed himself to ensure the town's success, as he simply could not bear to lose.

The shrine has deep historical roots connected to the Aoyama family, feudal lords who ruled the Sasayama domain during the Edo period. The shrine is dedicated to Ojiyama Heizaemon, one of the legendary wrestlers, and has become renowned for bestowing blessings of victory and academic success. During the Edo era, eight sumo wrestlers took their wrestling names from this shrine and went on to win many consecutive victories, cementing its reputation as a place of spiritual power.

Visitors approach the shrine through a dramatic pathway lined with approximately 60 bright vermilion torii gates that create a striking visual tunnel leading uphill to the main shrine building. The ascending approach offers panoramic views of the surrounding Tamba-Sasayama cityscape and countryside. The shrine features a humorous image of Inari-sama attempting to carry a bale of rice, adding a charming touch to the traditional atmosphere. The site includes both the main Inari shrine and the nearby Honkeiji temple of the Nichiren sect.

Students and professionals regularly visit Ojiyama Makekirai Inari to pray for academic achievement, career success, and victory in competitions. The shrine is particularly popular during New Year celebrations, when visitors climb the torii-lined stairs to offer prayers for the coming year. The location provides an especially photogenic setting for traditional kimono photography, with the vermilion gates creating a dramatic backdrop against the hillside forest.

From JR Sasayamaguchi Station, take the Wing Shinki bus and alight at Kamitatsumachi Stop, then walk approximately 5 minutes. The shrine is within walking distance of other historic attractions in the Tamba-Sasayama castle town area, including Sasayama Castle ruins and the traditional Kawaramachi merchant district. Admission is free, and parking is available for visitors arriving by car.