Today, we’re introducing the famous shrine known for its incredible luck – Minato Inari Shrine, beloved by fan girls! According to legend, during the Edo period, a group of 100 samurai from Japan’s gunmen squad were stationed here. They were struggling with their marksmanship and felt disheartened. One night, they dreamt of the Inari deity, who instructed them to visit the shrine and offer prayers. After doing so, their shooting skills improved dramatically, and they became able to hit the target every time. This miraculous story spread, attracting more visitors, and the shrine became known as “Minato Inari Shrine,” or the “Shrine of Guaranteed Success.”
In Japan, many concerts and events use a lottery system for ticket sales, where luck, not skill, determines success. As a result, many people visit this shrine, hoping to win tickets. If you go there, you’ll notice that many ema (votive tablets) are filled with wishes for successful ticket draws.
Opening Hours & How Easy Is It to Get There?
If you’re visiting Tokyo and you’re a fan, you absolutely must experience the blessings of Minato Inari Shrine. Luckily, it’s located in the heart of the city, making it incredibly easy to reach!
Simply hop on the JR line, and you’ll be there in no time. From JR Shin-Okubo Station, it’s just a 1-minute walk to the shrine. Alternatively, you can get off at JR Okubo Station, which is only a 3-minute walk away—both routes are super convenient!
The shrine is open every day from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, so no matter when you’re in Tokyo, you won’t have to worry about missing your chance to visit. It’s a truly accessible and thoughtful spot for all!
Don’t Forget to Buy an Ema and Make a Wish
When I visited the shrine at the end of February, the weather was cold and rainy. Despite the gloomy conditions, the shrine was still bustling with visitors, which really surprised me. This shows just how many people come here with the intention of making a special wish.
Normally, I don’t make a point of buying an ema (votive tablet) to write down my wishes, but as a fan, I couldn’t resist this time! Without a second thought, I paid 500 yen and picked one up. The shrine’s priestess was very kind and even offered me a marker to write my wish, making the experience even more thoughtful.
However, the marker was a bit thick, so if you want to write a more detailed wish, you might want to bring your own finer-tipped pen. Since it’s common for it to rain, you’ll want to make sure your writing doesn’t smudge. I’d recommend using a waterproof, oil-based pen to ensure your wish stays clear and the gods can hear it!
A Small Shrine, But Powerful Wishes!
As someone who’s experienced it firsthand (haha), I can honestly say that since I visited this shrine, I’ve had incredible luck with every lottery and ticket draw!
For example, at a few concerts, I was barely able to get tickets on the fifth round of the lottery, but now I win tickets on the first try!
Even when ticket sales are competitive, I’ve managed to snag tickets without a hitch. For fan girls, it truly feels like an unbeatable blessing!
If you’re hoping to “win” something soon, why not visit this magical shrine in Shin-Okubo, just like I did? I’m sure you won’t be disappointed.
The shrine also offers a variety of beautifully crafted charms, including magatama (traditional jewels), charm sets, and lucky amulets—perfect for yourself or as a thoughtful gift for a partner or friend!
Minato Inari Shrine: A Charming Sakura View and a Stroll Through J-Drama-Like Alleys
I’m so grateful to have caught a glimpse of the sakura blossoms at the end of February. The area around Shin-Okubo is lively and full of energy, and although it’s just a short walk from Shinjuku, the vibe in each place is completely different.
Strolling through the cozy alleys of Shin-Okubo with an umbrella, you’ll come across beautiful buildings that seem like they belong in a Japanese drama. After visiting Minato Inari Shrine, why not head to one of the nearby cafés for a relaxing tea break? It’s the perfect way to not only make your wishes come true but also treat yourself to a little moment of bliss.
