I updated this article in January 2025 to incorporate my findings from this research, along with the latest information for 2025.

Another reason for updating the article is the growing interest in tours that allow visitors to enjoy sightseeing spots and Japanese traditional culture. As these tours gain popularity, Magical Trip's tour, which ranked #1 among all tours on Tripadvisor, has been receiving numerous applications.

If you're planning to visit the Asakusa area, try joining the "Asakusa Cultural Walk & Matcha Making Tour" where local guides who are experts in Japanese culture and Asakusa's attractions will show you around. Being able to explore while listening to explanations about history and traditions makes the experience several times more enjoyable than going around by yourself.

For those who love retro neighborhoods, we also recommend these two tours. Both tours allow you to fully experience Japanese traditions, and since knowledgeable guides will provide detailed explanations about Japanese culture and traditions, you can completely immerse yourself in Japanese culture.

・All-You-Can-Drink Bar Hopping Tour in Ueno

・Tokyo Sumo Morning Practice Tour in Ryogoku

We hope you'll have a wonderful time experiencing everything Ueno has to offer by joining a Magical Trip tour!

Introduction

In Asakusa, there are famous “Sensoji” and many other temples and shrines. There are not only big ones but also small wonderful ones to get benefits. In this issue we will introduce “Hikan Inari” Shrine in the precinct of Asakusa Shrine next to Sensoji Temple. Let’s check out a shrine that is beneficial for your career advancement and employment.

About “Hikan Inari” Shrine

source: https://www.tripadvisor.jp/

In 1854, when the wife of Tatsugoro Shinmon was seriously ill and in bed, he prayed to “Fushimi Inari” Shrine in Yamashiro (southern part of Kyoto Prefecture) for her recovery. The prayer worked and his wife got well.

The people in Asakusa, in appreciation of her recovery, transported a double of the deity of “Fujimi Inari” Shrine to Asakusa.

Later a small shrine was built as a subsidiary of “Asakusa” Shrine in its precinct. It is “Hikan Inari” Shrine.

source: http://guide.travel.co.jp/article/15671/

Usually there are “Komainu” (a guardian dog) in the precinct of shrines. In “Inari” Shrine however, there are foxes. Why? It is said that “Inari” shrines are god for agriculture and foxes catch rats which devour grains, and also the color of fox and its tail resemble rice ears. Hence the fox became a messenger of “Inari” God.

Although the exact origin of the name “Hikan” is not known, it is probable that “Hikan” means “get a position” and accordingly “get a job” or “a prosperous career”. Therefore it is likely that “Hikan Inari” Shrine will grant you a good job or career.

Sightseeing Spots – a Must See

An Important Shrine since its Inauguration

source: http://guide.travel.co.jp/article/15671/

The front “Torii” (a gate of shrine) of “Hikan Inari” Shrine was donated by Tatsugoro Shinmon. The shrine was built in 1855. Its architectural style is called “Ikken Shanagare Dukuri”. The original shrine building has remained to-date since its inauguration. It has a thatched roof with cedar-bark, and is rather small with width of 1.5m in frontage and 1.4m in depth, and covered with a shelter.

Foxe statues are everywhere in the Shrine.

source: https://www.tripadvisor.jp/

Many statues of fox, a messenger of God, small and large, are standing here and there. They are: parent foxes and kits, holding a key-shaped club, with a ball in the mouth, etc. It is fun to find your favorite one.

“Ema” (a wood board) on which you write your wish, is also in the shape of fox. Check it out.

Find Names of Kabuki Actors

source: http://guide.travel.co.jp/article/15671/

On the back of the fox statue you find many names of “Kabuki” actors such as previous generations of “Kichiemon Nakamura”, “Tokizo Nakamura”, Utaroku Nakamura”, Yonekichi Nakamura”, etc.

You will understand that “Hikan Inari” Shrine has been believed to be God of performing arts since the Taisho Period, because many popular actors made donations.

Information of “Hikan Inari” Shrine

・Address:   2-3-1Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo

・Telephone:  03-3844-1575

・Hours:     Office 9:00a.m. – 4:30p.m.

・Holiday:   Open everyday

・Direction (Subway)

7 minutes walk from the exit 1 at “Asakusa” Station, Tokyo Metro “Ginza” Line or Toei Chikatetsu “Asakusa” Line

7 minutes walk from “Asakusa” Station, Tobu Skytree Line

10 minutes walk from the exit A1, “Asakusa” Station, Tsukuba Express

Travel time: about 40 minutes from Haneda Airport, about 70 minutes from Narita Airport, about 25 minutes from “Tokyo” Station

・Official Site URL　http://www.asakusajinja.jp/asakusajinja/hikanjinja.html

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