Toyokawa Inari Tokyo Betsuin Guide: Hours, Access & What to See in Akasaka
A hidden shrine-like temple in Akasaka, famous for its fox guardians, red banners, and peaceful spiritual charm.
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Tucked into the lively streets of Akasaka, Toyokawa Inari Tokyo Betsuin is a Buddhist temple with a surprising twist: rows of fox statues that make many visitors think they’ve stumbled into a Shinto shrine! Founded as the Tokyo branch of the historic Toyokawa Inari in Aichi, it’s a peaceful corner where bright red banners sway in the breeze, stone foxes guard sacred spaces, and worshippers stop by for blessings.
Easy to reach from central Tokyo, this spot is a favorite for photographers, history lovers, and anyone curious about Japan’s fascinating mix of Buddhist and Shinto traditions.
A Buddhist Temple That Looks Like a Shrine
One of the first things that puzzles visitors at Toyokawa Inari Tokyo Betsuin (豊川稲荷東京別院) is its appearance. With fox statues standing guard, rows of vermilion banners fluttering in the breeze, and votive offerings neatly lined up, it feels at first glance like a Shinto shrine. In fact, it is a Soto Zen Buddhist temple, established in 1828 as the Tokyo branch of Toyokawa Inari in Aichi Prefecture. It was originally built on the grounds of the Edo residence of the Ooka clan in the area of Akasaka Hitotsuki, and then relocated and enshrined at its current location in 1887.
The reason for the confusion lies in the temple’s main deity, Dakiniten (荼枳尼天). Often depicted riding a white fox, this figure shares visual traits with the Shinto god Inari, whose messengers are foxes (kitsune in Japanese). Over the centuries, the imagery has intertwined to the point where many visitors casually call it a “shrine,” though technically it has always belonged to the Buddhist tradition.
This mix of appearances is part of what makes the Tokyo Betsuin so intriguing. It shows how Japan’s religious traditions have long coexisted and influenced each other, creating spaces where the lines between Buddhist temple and Shinto shrine feel blurred. For travelers, that means you get the solemn atmosphere of a Zen temple, paired with the colorful and photogenic symbols more commonly associated with Shinto worship. It’s a combination that feels both surprising and uniquely Japanese, and it’s the reason why so many locals and tourists find the place memorable.
What to See at Toyokawa Inari Tokyo Betsuin
A stroll through the grounds quickly reveals why this temple has become a favorite stop for curious visitors. The highlight is the fox mound, inspired by the grand Reiko-zuka at the head temple in Aichi. While the Tokyo version is smaller in scale compared to the original 1,000-fox sanctuary, it features hundreds of fox statues, each with its own expression and personality.
Some wear bright red bibs, others hold symbolic objects in their mouths, and together they create a lively scene that seems almost to watch over you as you pass.
Adding to the atmosphere are the rows of red banners flanking the pathways. Their bold colors stand out against the stone statues and greenery, giving the temple a festive yet solemn character. These banners often bear inscriptions related to prayers or dedications, and when they flutter in the breeze, they fill the grounds with a sense of movement and energy.
Beyond the foxes and banners, take time to find the Seven Lucky Gods statues scattered around the precinct. This small pilgrimage route is popular with locals, especially during the New Year period, and spotting all seven figures makes for a fun treasure hunt while exploring. The main hall, meanwhile, is a reminder of the temple’s true identity as a Buddhist site, housing the image of Toyokawa Dakini-Shinten, the deity at the heart of this curious blend of traditions.
Toyokawa Inari Tokyo Betsuin also has a long association with the entertainment world. Performers, musicians, and artists have historically visited to pray for success in their careers, and you’ll still find offerings left by those connected to the stage and screen. It’s another detail that gives the temple a personality all its own and connects it with the cultural life of Tokyo.
Toyokawa Inari Tokyo Betsuin Access & Map
Reaching Toyokawa Inari Tokyo Betsuin is refreshingly easy, even for first-time visitors to Tokyo. The temple sits in Akasaka, Minato City, a central district well connected by subway.
- The most convenient stop is Akasaka-mitsuke Station, served by both the Ginza and Marunouchi Lines. From Exit B, it’s just a five-minute walk along straightforward streets.
- Another option is Nagatacho Station, where the Hanzomon, Yuraku-cho, and Namboku Lines converge. Take Exit 7, and you’ll be at the temple gates in about seven to eight minutes on foot.
If you’re traveling from major JR hubs, the transfer is simple: from Tokyo Station, hop on the Marunouchi Line straight to Akasaka-mitsuke; from Shinjuku, the same line offers a quick ride; and from Shibuya, the Ginza Line will take you directly there. This makes the temple an easy cultural stopover, whether you’re based in central Tokyo or exploring from another district.
Tourist Reviews of Toyokawa Inari Tokyo Betsuin
Toyokawa Inari Tokyo Betsuin has a unique and atmospheric mix of Buddhist traditions with strong Inari (fox deity) symbolism that has made it a noteworthy spot. As of August 2025, it has earned a Google rating of 4.5 (4,610 reviews), a TripAdvisor score of 4.2 (182 reviews), and an impressive Trip.com rating of 4.8 (18 reviews). The temple is especially well-known as a “power spot” where visitors pray for good fortune, health, and successful relationships.
On TripAdvisor, one reviewer captured the temple’s beauty and spiritual ambiance:
“It was a Buddhist temple. Absolutely picturesque. A well-maintained Shrine for praying for good health, happiness, relationships, and much more. Full of fox statues. The red banners fluttering were erected by petitioners for health, safety, and wealth.”
―from TripAdvisor
Travelers on Trip.com emphasized the temple’s distinct features and cultural importance:
“A power spot famous for its cute goshuincho (stamp books). Toyokawa Inari Tokyo Betsuin is the only directly managed branch temple of Toyokawa Inari in Aichi. Within the temple grounds, you can go on a ‘Seven Lucky Gods Tour’ where you can visit all seven lucky gods in one place. It’s a wonderful place where you can improve your luck with money and health, pray for good relationships, and even pray for breaking relationships. Because of its location in Akasaka, it is also characterized by the large number of pilgrimages, offerings, and prayers from people related to the entertainment industry.”
―from Trip.com
Tourist Attractions Near Toyokawa Inari Tokyo Betsuin
A visit to Toyokawa Inari Tokyo Betsuin can easily be part of a half-day itinerary, since Akasaka is full of cultural landmarks and historic sites within walking distance. Here are three highlights that pair perfectly with your temple stop:
Hie Shrine
Just a short walk from Akasaka-mitsuke, Hie Shrine is one of Tokyo’s major Shinto shrines and is especially famous for its striking tunnel of red torii gates. Dedicated to the guardian deity of Tokyo, it plays a central role in the city’s spiritual life and hosts the lively Sannō Festival in June. Its combination of traditional architecture and a modern city backdrop makes it one of the area’s most photogenic spots.
More info: Hie Shrine: the Hidden Shrine in Tokyo with Red Torii Gates Tunnel
 Access |
14-min walk from Toyokawa Inari Tokyo Betsuin or 4-min walk from Akasaka-Mitsuke Station |
|---|---|
 Business Hours |
6 AM–4 PM |
 Official Website |
https://www.hiejinja.net/index.html |
Akasaka Hikawa Shrine
Tucked into a quieter corner of the district, Akasaka Hikawa Shrine was built in 1730 and offers a more tranquil atmosphere than its larger counterparts. The tree-lined approach, historic structures, and its ancient ginkgo tree make it a rewarding stop if you want to experience a less touristy, neighborhood-style shrine. It’s also known for good luck in relationships, attracting visitors who come to pray for happy partnerships.
| Access |
19-min walk from Toyokawa Inari Tokyo Betsuin or 8-min walk from Akasaka Station |
|---|---|
| Business Hours |
9 AM–5 PM |
| Official Website |
http://www.akasakahikawa.or.jp/ |
State Guest House (Akasaka Palace)
Just next to the temple area stands one of Japan’s most impressive Western-style buildings. The State Guest House, also known as Akasaka Palace, was built in 1909 in a grand neo-Baroque style and today welcomes visiting heads of state. When not in use for official ceremonies, parts of the palace and gardens are open to the public, giving you a chance to see a rare piece of imperial architecture in the middle of Tokyo.
More info: Akasaka Palace: Make a Quick Trip to Europe While You Are in Tokyo!
| Access |
15-min walk from Toyokawa Inari Tokyo Betsuin, or 9-min walk from Yotsuya Station |
|---|---|
| Business Hours |
10 AM–5 PM |
 Closed |
Wednesday |
| Official Website |
https://www.geihinkan.go.jp/akasaka/ |
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Written by
Photographer, journalist, and avid urban cyclist, making sense of Japan since 2017. I was born in Caracas and lived for 14 years in Barcelona before moving to Tokyo. Currently working towards my goal of visiting every prefecture in Japan, I hope to share with readers the everlasting joy of discovery and the neverending urge to keep exploring.
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