Toyokawa Inari (Myogonji Temple), Aichi

Toyokawa Inari, officially known as Myogonji Temple, stands as one of Japan's Big Three Inari Temples, alongside Kyoto's Fushimi Inari and Yutoku Inari in Saga Prefecture. Founded in 1441 by the monk Tokai Gieki, this unique institution represents a rare fusion of Buddhist temple and Shinto shrine traditions. As a temple, it belongs formally to the Sodo school of Buddhism, while simultaneously serving as a Shinto shrine dedicated to Inari Okami, the deity of commercial prosperity, household safety, and fortune.

The temple has maintained the devout attention of major Japanese historical figures including Oda Nobunaga and Toyotomi Hideyoshi over its 580-year history. The complex attracts approximately six million annual visitors who come to experience its distinctive spiritual atmosphere and architectural features.

The temple's most striking feature is its massive entrance door, crafted from a single slab of wood and standing 4.5 meters high, flanked by fierce Buddhist Nio temple guardians. The main attraction for many visitors is the Reiko-Zuka shrine of thousand foxes, where 1,000 stone fox statues create an otherworldly landscape. Hidden within the complex, Myogen Temple houses an effigy of the Thousand-Handed Senju Kannon, which most visitors miss. The sacred grounds also feature winding paths through copses and the Okuno-in pavilion.

Visitors can explore the unique dual religious nature of the site, praying at both Buddhist and Shinto sections according to their preference. The temple grounds offer opportunities for spiritual reflection, photography of the impressive fox statue collections, and architectural appreciation. The site is also famous as the namesake of Inarizushi sushi rice balls, which visitors can enjoy locally.

Admission to Toyokawa Inari is free. Amulets and goshuin (traditional shrine seals) can be purchased between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Parking is available nearby for ¥600. From Nagoya, take the Toyohashi-bound train from Meitetsu Nagoya Station. At Ko Station, change to a train bound for Toyokawa-inari Station. The shrine is a three-minute walk from there. Alternatively, take the JR Tokaido Main Line bound for Toyohashi, or use the Tokaido Shinkansen bullet train to Toyohashi Station, then transfer to the JR Iida Line to Toyokawa Station for a 3-minute northwest walk.