Sanko Inari Shrine is primarily famous for romance and relationship blessings. The shrine is particularly popular among couples and those seeking love due to its reputation for bringing fortune in matchmaking, harmonious marriages, and peaceful households. Its distinctive heart-shaped ema (wooden wishing plaques) and heart-shaped amulets have made it a beloved destination for romantic wishes.
The shrine is easily accessible via the Meitetsu Line. Take the train to either Inuyama Station or Inuyamayuen Station in Inuyama City, Aichi Prefecture. Round-trip tickets cost 1,380 yen from Meitetsu Nagoya Station or 1,120 yen from Meitetsu Gifu Station. The shrine is located at the base of Inuyama Castle, making it a convenient stop when exploring the castle town.
No, there is no admission fee required to visit Sanko Inari Shrine. The shrine is open to visitors throughout the year free of charge, though you may choose to purchase amulets, charms, or make donations as part of your spiritual visit.
Sanko Inari Shrine serves as the guardian shrine for Inuyama Castle, with its deity being the guardian deity of the Naruse family, who historically ruled over the castle. Built in the 1500s, the shrine sits directly on the approach path to the castle, making it a natural first stop for visitors heading to the fortress. The shrine also plays a role in the Inuyama Festival, whose decorated floats parade along the path to the shrine.
Sanko Inari Shrine stands out for several distinctive features. It's particularly known for its heart-shaped ema and amulets, which are uncommon among traditional shrines. The shrine also features charming komainu (protective dog statues) dressed in cloth collars, adding a warm, personal touch. Its strong association with romance and relationships, rather than the typical business and prosperity focus of most Inari shrines, makes it unique in its spiritual offerings.
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This shrine is famous for financial blessings — inside, you can purchase a candle and a tray, and then you can place coins in the tray and wash it with the holy water. It is said that this ritual would multiply your wealth.
In the same place, you will also find two additional shrines, one of which is famed for romantic blessings. Couples write their wishes on heart-shaped ema and hang them at the entrance.
• Famous for red torii gates
• Known for heart-shaped ema (popular with couples)
• Right next to the castle
You coils actually pray to meet someone, love interest, 🤗
Inuyama Sanko Inari Shrine ⛩️
I’m totally in love with this shrine — it’s definitely one of the most photographed spots in Inuyama, and you’ll know why once you’re there ❤️
It’s well known for the heart-shaped ema, where you can write down your wishes for love and happiness 💕
There’s also a unique money-washing ritual here.
Pay 100 yen to get a candle 🕯️, light it up, and then wash your money at the washing area. It’s believed to bring good luck and fortune 💰✨
Don’t miss the hidden highlight — the Omokaru Ishi (Heavy-Light Stone).
Close your eyes, make a wish, and lift the stone.
If it feels lighter than you expected, your wish may come true 😉
Right beside it is Haritsuna Shrine, known for prayers for:
👶 Safe and smooth childbirth
🚗 Traffic safety
They also have adorable fish-shaped おみくじ fortune telling paper slips 🎣 — super cute and fun to draw!
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The Temple or more precisely, Shrine, was traditionally worshipped and respected by the followers and believers for the farming harvest, although it is gradually transformed to be worshipped and prayed for the business and operation harvest. But the Temple even goes further by claiming that worshippers can donate to have candle lightening and then wash their money [notes or changes] in the washing pond inside the shrine. The photos here do show one female worshipper who did wash her money in small pond after candle lightening.
The Temple also promotes other worship-and-pray-for-harvest for relations and others, in addition to business.
Because the Temple is located near Inuyama Castle, most visitors would visit the Shrine together.
Great Inari shrine, close to the castle. Not so crowded. If you want you can go to the overcrowded and more famous Inari in Kyoto, otherwise there are many other quiet and peceful places like this :)
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