Sanko Inari Shrine

Name: Sanko Inari Shrine
Address: Kitakoken-65ｰ18 Inuyama, Aichi 484-0082日本
Rating: 4.1

4.1 Tourist AttractionPlace Of WorshipPoint Of InterestEstablishment

Sanko Inari Shrine stands at the base of Inuyama Castle in Aichi Prefecture, serving as both a historic landmark and popular spiritual destination. Built in the 1500s, this shrine has been long revered by many coming from the local area as well as from far and wide to worship. The shrine has also long been known as "Sankoji Temple" and is affectionately called "Sankojisan" by locals.

The deity of Sanko Inari Shrine is the guardian deity of the Naruse family, which historically presided over Inuyama Castle. The shrine gained particular cultural significance through its connection to the Inuyama Festival, whose floats are paraded along the path leading to the shrine. The festival was registered on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list in 2016, adding international recognition to the shrine's cultural importance.

Visitors come primarily seeking blessings for romance and harmonious relationships. The shrine is said to bring fortune in matchmaking, peaceful households and harmonious marriages. The shrine's most distinctive feature is its heart-shaped ema (wooden wishing plaques), which have made it particularly popular among couples and those seeking love. Amulets and charms in the shape of hearts can be seen throughout the shrine grounds.

The shrine features interesting statues of komainu (protective dogs), lovingly dressed in cloth collars, adding to its charming atmosphere. The shrine serves as a convenient stop for visitors heading to Inuyama Castle, as it lies directly on the approach path to the famous fortress.

Sanko Inari Shrine is located in Inuyama City, Aichi Prefecture. The most convenient access is via the Meitetsu Line to Inuyama Station or Inuyamayuen Station. Round-trip tickets from Meitetsu Nagoya Station cost 1,380 yen, while tickets from Meitetsu Gifu Station cost 1,120 yen. The shrine requires no admission fee and is open to visitors throughout the year. Its location at the base of Inuyama Castle makes it easily accessible as part of a broader exploration of the historic castle town.

Hours

星期一: 08:30–16:30

星期二: 08:30–16:30

星期三: 08:30–16:30

星期四: 08:30–16:30

星期五: 08:30–16:30

星期六: 08:30–17:00

星期日: 08:30–17:00

Phone

+81 568-61-0702

Website

inuyama.gr.jp

The area

Address

Kitakoken-65ｰ18 Inuyama, Aichi 484-0082日本

Hours

星期一: 08:30–16:30

星期二: 08:30–16:30

星期三: 08:30–16:30

星期四: 08:30–16:30

星期五: 08:30–16:30

星期六: 08:30–17:00

星期日: 08:30–17:00

Phone

+81 568-61-0702

Website

inuyama.gr.jp

What other travelers are saying about Sanko Inari Shrine

三光稻荷神社

yeoman

2025年6月11日

奉祀著犬山城主～成瀬家的守護神之外，因為人氣日劇半澤直樹的”加倍奉還”，而吸引許多遊客慕名前來參拜， ◎祈求財運，洗完錢後會加倍奉還的錢洗神社。 ◎有著粉紅色可愛心型繪馬，祈求美好戀愛運的姬龜神社。來一次三光稻荷神社，就能提升財運跟愛情運，還真是魚與熊掌都能皆得唷！ ◎三光稻荷神社又稱為銭洗い稲荷神社。想要”洗錢”的朋友，記得先到受付處繳交100円的費用。拿到小竹簍之後，就可以到錢洗池來洗錢啦！ ◎締結良緣著稱的姬龜神社。記得買一塊印著緣字的粉紅色愛心繪馬，背面可以寫上自己的心願，看是要祈求男女良縁．家内圓満或是夫婦和合都可以唷！

走走逛逛。

小而美的神社

通往犬山城。

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.