About
Passing through the bustle of Shinjuku and stepping into a corner of Kabukicho, a tranquility that transcends the flow of time unfolds. Inari Kio Shrine was founded in the second year of Jōō in the Edo period (1653), and since then, it has continued to watch over the changes of the city. Passing through the torii gate, you are greeted by stone guardian dogs, at whose feet the weight of history is engraved.
Within the shrine grounds, there is a rare water basin made during the Bunsei era (1818–1830). This stone sculpture, in which a demon-shaped sumo wrestler supports a large water basin, is associated with a legend that the sound of water being poured could be heard every night. It is said that when the owner struck it with a sword, misfortunes befell the family one after another, and it was eventually dedicated to the shrine. Even now, the sword scar from that time remains on the demon’s shoulder. (mashup-kabukicho.com)
Beside the main shrine building, there is a Fujizuka (miniature Mt. Fuji) built in the fifth year of the Showa era (1930), constructed with lava from Mt. Fuji and famous stones from various places. During air raids in the war, the foundation was loosened, and now it has a rare shape, split into left and right sides across the approach path. (goshuin.net)
Inari Kio Shrine is the only shrine in the country with the name “Kio” (Demon King), and it has a unique custom during Setsubun, regarding demons as gods of spring and chanting “Fortune in, demons in.” In addition, Ebisu is enshrined at Mishima Shrine within the precincts, and it is cherished as one of the Seven Lucky Gods of Yamanote, Shinjuku. (goshuin.net)
Amid the noise of the city, Inari Kio Shrine is a place where one can feel tranquility and the breath of history. Visitors may forget the passage of time here and regain peace of mind.