Inari Belief: Unveiling the Mystery of Japan’s Fox Deities
If you have ever scrolled through travel photos of Japan, you have undoubtedly seen them: endless rows of vibrant vermilion gates tunneling up a mountainside, guarded by stone statues of foxes. These are the symbols of Inari, the most ubiquitous and perhaps the most misunderstood deity in the Japanese pantheon.
While tourists flock to the famous Fushimi Inari Taisha in Kyoto for the perfect Instagram shot, the history and cultural significance of the “Inari Faith” (Inari Shinko) run far deeper than aesthetic appeal. As a traveler, understanding the roots of this belief transforms a visit to these shrines from a mere sightseeing trip into a profound cultural encounter.
The Origins of the Harvest God
Inari is not a single god but a complex amalgamation of deities associated with rice, agriculture, and general prosperity. The roots of Inari belief date back to the 8th century, with the primary deity often identified as Uka-no-Mitama-no-Kami, a god of grain mentioned in classical mythology.
In ancient agrarian Japan, rice was life. Consequently, the god who protected the rice harvest was paramount. The name “Inari” itself is believed to be derived from ine-nari (growing rice) or ine-ni-naru (becoming rice).
Syncretism with Buddhism
As Buddhism spread throughout Japan, indigenous Shinto beliefs often merged with Buddhist teachings. Inari became associated with the Buddhist deity Dakiniten, a goddess riding a white fox. This is why you will find Inari worship not only at Shinto shrines (identified by torii gates) but also at Buddhist temples, most notably the Toyokawa Inari temple. This religious syncretism, known as Shinbutsu-shugo, allowed the Inari faith to spread rapidly across class lines, moving from the fields of farmers to the castles of samurai.
The Legend of the White Fox
The most distinctive feature of Inari shrines is the Kitsune (fox). A common misconception among visitors is that the fox is the god itself. In reality, in Shinto cosmology, the fox is the messenger (shinshi) of Inari Okami.
Why the fox? In ancient Japan, foxes were often seen coming down from the mountains—the realm of the gods—just as the rice planting season began in spring. They helped farmers by hunting rodents that would otherwise destroy the grain silos. This beneficial behavior cemented their status as divine guardians.
Symbolism in Stone
When you visit an Inari shrine, look closely at the fox statues. They are almost always in pairs, representing male and female, or yin and yang. You will often see them holding items in their mouths or under their paws:
- A Key: Symbolizing the key to the rice granary.
- A Jewel: Representing the spirit of the gods or abundance.
- A Scroll: Symbolizing wisdom or Buddhist sutras.
- A Sheaf of Rice: Representing the harvest.
These foxes are traditionally white (though depicted in stone or bronze), signifying their invisibility and spiritual purity, distinct from the wild foxes found in the forest.
Modern Culture: From Rice Fields to Wall Street
As Japan modernized during the Edo period and into the Meiji era, the economy shifted from agriculture to commerce and industry. Remarkably, Inari shifted with it. The deity of the rice harvest evolved into the deity of business prosperity.
Today, you will find miniature Inari shrines on the rooftops of corporate headquarters, inside factories, and tucked into the side streets of bustling districts like Ginza and Shinjuku. Business owners pray to Inari for financial success, safety in industry, and worldly advancement.
The influence even extends to cuisine. Inari Sushi—sushi rice stuffed inside pockets of seasoned fried tofu—is named after the deity. Folklore suggests that foxes love fried tofu (abura-age), and it is the traditional offering made at these shrines.
Traveler’s Tips for Visiting Inari Shrines
To fully appreciate the atmosphere of an Inari shrine, keep these tips in mind:
- Look for the Red Banners: Inari shrines are easily identified by red banners reading “Inari Okami.” The color red is believed to expel demons and illness.
- The Offering: Instead of just a coin, consider buying a small set of candles or a miniature torii gate if the shrine sells them. If you want to be traditional, offer a piece of abura-age (fried tofu), often available at shops near major shrines.
- Explore Beyond Kyoto: While Fushimi Inari is the head shrine of some 30,000 Inari sub-shrines, it gets incredibly crowded. For a more mystical experience, visit Taikodani Inari in Shimane or the Toyokawa Inari in Tokyo.
- Respect the Space: While the endless gates make for great photos, remember this is a place of active worship. Step to the side when taking photos to allow worshippers to pass.
Sources & Further Reading
For those interested in diving deeper into the history of Japanese mythology and the specific texts that mention the deities associated with Inari, the following historical records are essential:
- The Kojiki (Records of Ancient Matters, 712 AD): Chronicles the genealogy of the gods, including Uka-no-Mitama-no-Kami.
- The Nihon Shoki (The Chronicles of Japan, 720 AD): Provides alternative narratives of the creation myths and agricultural deities.
- Yamashiro Fudoki: An ancient record of the Yamashiro province (modern Kyoto) which contains the specific legend of the founding of Fushimi Inari Taisha, involving a rice cake turning into a white bird.