At the onset of the Meiji Restoration (1867) , when Japan had finally opened her doors to the West hoping to modernize, the government ruled that all temples and shrines that had previously shared the same space, should now be separated. Toyokawa Inari Temple is a perfect example of how that proclamation was resisted. Although this is a temple, there are remnants of shine influences everywhere you look. Statures of sacred foxes (which can be found in abundance at shrines all over Japan) dominate the grounds, and here and there, there are also shrine torii (Shinto gates) that you will see. Its head temple is located in Aichi Prefecture. These photos were taken in mid-March. Follow these links to the other photo stories in the series.
- 1 min read
Toyokawa Inari Temple, Akasaka
Buddhist temple with a Shinto flair

Community writer

The foxes and red torii gate are remnants of days gone by when this temple was a shrine

Beautiful entrance to Toyokawa Inari Temple, Akasaka

Red lanterns adorning the outside wall of the temple

Woman in kimono reading the omikuji fortune that she purchased from the wooden rack behind her

One of the more striking foxes here

Approach to the temple, flanked by two guardian fox statues

Beautiful candle holder

Buddhist stature surrounded by prayer banners donated by temple members

This fox is holding a sacred scroll in its mouth

View of the temple and the tall buildings of modern Akasaka-Mitsuke, seen through an incense stick receptacle

Prayer boards behind a stone lantern

Red lanterns and early-blooming cherry blossoms

It was a beautiful day (mid-March) that featured great lighting, a deep blue sky, and pretty pink sakura
Join the discussion
Wanida Kaewwong
11 years ago
I'm very like you photos.
so beautiful and have soul of Japan.
so beautiful and have soul of Japan.
1 comment in total
Book your trip
Find a nearby hotel
Explore some of the best nearby hotels and deals for the perfect place to stay in Japan.
Top Articles
-
1
What to Eat in Kobe Chinatown
Hyogo -
2
Enjoy Toba: More Than Just a Seaside Retreat
Mie - Sponsored -
3
Japan Is One of Emirates' Top Summer Searches
Planning -
4
Sendai Named a Top Summer Destination by Lonely Planet
Miyagi -
5
25 Authentic Activities in Minobu
Yamanashi - Sponsored -
6
Osaka Noh Festa
Osaka - Sponsored -
7
I’m Donut?: Japan’s Viral Donut Sensation
Culture -
8
Volcano-hopping in Kyushu
Activities -
9
Tokyo Auto Salon 2026 Japan Car Tour: Cars, Culture & The Open Road
Chiba -
10
70 Nations, One Amazing Meal
Osaka - Sponsored
-
1
Guide to Bringing Medicines Into Japan
Planning -
2
Gion Matsuri
Kyoto -
3
July Grand Sumo Tournament (Nagoya)
Aichi -
4
The Ultimate Guide to Thrifting in Tokyo
Shopping -
5
Your Name: Real-Life Locations in Tokyo
Tokyo -
6
Shitamachi Tanabata Matsuri
Tokyo -
7
Kamakura Fireworks
Kanagawa -
8
Ghibli 3D Sculpture Exhibition
Tokyo -
9
Japanese Urban Legends
Culture -
10
Iwatayama Monkey Park
Kyoto
so beautiful and have soul of Japan.