About
In a corner of Haramachi, Shinjuku Ward, a small shrine quietly stands facing Okubo Street. This is the Houraku Inari Shrine. It is said to have been founded in the mid-Edo period, during the Horeki era (1751–1763), by a local resident named Iizuka. Since then, it has been cherished by the local people and has a history as an auxiliary shrine of Ana Hachiman Shrine.
This shrine is particularly famous for its unique custom called “Hazure Kuji Kuyo” (Consolation for Losing Lottery Tickets). At the Houraku Festival held every year on May 22, losing lottery tickets gathered from all over the country are offered in a memorial service, and visitors pray for good luck in winning. The origin of this custom is told in the following old tale.
Long ago, there was a farmer in this area who was very lucky with lotteries. However, he was not fortunate from the beginning. He would always spend his small change on Tomicuji (lotteries in the Edo period), end up penniless, and be scolded by his wife. One day, he found the small coins his wife had saved up while working late at night, secretly went to buy a lottery ticket, but lost again. On his way home, he took a rest in front of a small roadside shrine and placed his losing ticket before it, praying, “Someday I want to make life easier for my wife.” A few months later, when he bought another lottery ticket, he won the top prize, and from then on, luck seemed to follow him in everything he did. Grateful to the shrine, he built a splendid shrine building. Since then, people have called this shrine “Houraku Inari,” offering their losing tickets and praying for better luck. (buccyake-kojiki.com)
Upon stepping into the shrine grounds, the first thing that catches the eye is the pair of foxes sitting atop the worship hall roof. These are affectionately known as the “Bunny Foxes,” and there is a story that the left fox, whose ear was damaged by a typhoon, was repaired by the then neighborhood association president himself. Because of this, the ear looks like a rabbit’s, which is how the nickname came about. (ir-alt.co.jp)
In front of the worship hall, there is a box for depositing losing lottery tickets, where visitors place their tickets and pray for good luck. On New Year’s Day, during the Houraku Festival, and at the regular festival in September, “Houraku Inari Good Luck Talismans” and “Houraku Inari Shrine Prayer Amulets” are distributed. It is said that by placing these in the direction of northwest (Qian), one can expect even greater improvement in fortune. (wa-ha.com)
Houraku Inari Shrine is believed to bring blessings for lottery winnings, passing exams, fertility, gambling victories, election wins, and more, and is worshipped by many as a power spot for financial luck and good fortune. Quietly standing amidst the bustle of the city, this shrine offers visitors a place of tranquility and hope.