Built on the site of a sacred hackberry tree celebrated in Utagawa Hiroshige's classic ukiyo-e woodblock prints, Shōzoku Inari Shrine is deeply tied to the ancient legend of magical foxes congregating on New Year's Eve. According to local lore, the kitsune would dress in fine garments and carry glowing lanterns across town to Ōji Inari Shrine. Today, this quiet neighborhood sanctuary springs to vibrant life every December 31st as thousands don fox masks and traditional attire to reenact the enchanted procession. Visiting offers a captivating glimpse into Edo-period folklore that remains delightfully alive in the modern metropolis.
- Shrines
- Folklore & Mythology
- Foxes
- Festivals
- Historic Landmarks
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