Kojirō Inari Jinja (古地老稲荷神社)

Kojiro Inari Jinja

Entrance of Happo-en

Next to the entrance of Happo-en (八芳園) — a restaurant and wedding venue located in the Shirokanedai district of Minato-ku, Tokyo — is a small Shinto shrine called Kojiro Inari Jinja (古地老稲荷神社). The shrine enshrines Ukanomitama-no-Mikoto (宇迦魂之命), commonly identified as Inari, a kami (deity) of harvest, prosperity, and success. It currently serves as a kenmu-sha (jointly administered shrine) of Shirokane Hikawa Jinja.

During the Edo period (1603-1868), fires were so frequent in Edo (modern-day Tokyo) that they became a hallmark of city life. As a result, fire-prevention Inari shrines became widespread. Kojiro Inari Jinja is said to have been founded on Hiyoshi-zaka in 1830, following an oracle that proclaimed:
"As long as my ennichi (a day believed to have a special connection with the kami) continues, no fire shall be seen in this land."
Remarkably, the shrine's ennichi were often accompanied by signs of rain, further solidifying its reputation as a "Fire-Preventing Inari."

Kojiro Inari Jinja

In 1915, the shrine was relocated to its current location. The area remained untouched by fire during major disasters, including the 1923 Great Kanto Earthquake and the Bombing of Tokyo during World War II.

Reference:

• Tokyo-Jinjacho. (n.d.). 港区 古地老稲荷神社. 東京都神社庁. http://www.tokyo-jinjacho.or.jp/minato/5229