Toyokawa Inari Tokyo Betsuin

Toyokawa Inari Tokyo Betsuin is the official Tokyo branch of Toyokawa Inari, one of Japan’s three major Inari temples, originally located in Toyokawa City, Aichi Prefecture. While "Inari" typically refers to a Shinto shrine dedicated to fox spirits, Toyokawa Inari is actually a Soto Zen Buddhist temple formally named Toyokawakaku Myogonji, and its Tokyo Betsuin is likewise a Buddhist temple—not a shrine.

The temple's origins date back to the Edo period, when the famed magistrate Ooka Echizen enshrined Dakini Shinten (a deity associated with Inari worship) in his home after receiving its blessing from the main temple in Toyokawa. Over time, public worship was allowed, and in 1887, the temple was moved to its current location in Akasaka-Mitsuke.

In addition to the main hall dedicated to Dakini Shinten, the grounds are dotted with smaller sub-temples and altars offering blessings for various wishes—such as cutting off bad relationships or conceiving children. One of the most unique features is Yūzū Inari, where visitors receive a 10-yen coin said to bring financial luck when kept in a wallet. If the wish is fulfilled, the tradition is to return a year later with added interest as a token of gratitude.
The temple is also home to statues of the Seven Lucky Gods scattered throughout the grounds, making it fun to explore while collecting blessings. Goshuin (temple stamps) are written directly by hand from 10:00am to 3:00pm; outside those hours, pre-written versions are available.