Sasuke Inari Shrine

Welcome to the Sah-soo-keh ee-nah-ree Shrine, one of the most enigmatic and spiritually evocative sites in all of Kah-mah-koo-rah. Nestled quietly within a lush, verdant valley, this sanctuary is often described as the 'Hidden…

Your journey truly begins as you step into the 'Senbon-torii,' or the path of a thousand gates. While the actual number is closer to ninety-three, the tunnel effect created by these vibrant red structures is no less profound. …

The core of Sasuke Inari's significance lies in a legend from the late twelfth century. Minamoto no Yoritomo, then an exile in Izu, is said to have had a divine dream in which an Inari deity appeared to him in the form of a white…

As you explore the grounds, you will be struck by the sheer volume of fox statues, or 'Byakko,' that inhabit every nook and cranny of the shrine. These foxes are not deities themselves, but rather the messengers of Inari. …

Tucked away in the shaded recesses of the shrine is the Reikosen, the sacred spring. Historically, this water source was vital for the local community, irrigating the rice fields in the valley and providing life-sustaining water…

One of the most touching areas of the shrine is the hall dedicated to the Eleven-Faced Kannon. Kannon is the Buddhist Bodhisattva of compassion, and this particular statue has a beautiful legend attached to it. …

In a delightful modern evolution of its traditions, Sasuke Inari is known as one of the most pet-friendly shrines in Kamakura. Recognizing that pets are integral members of many families, the shrine welcomes dogs and other…

As you descend back through the tunnel of red gates and leave the 'Hidden Village' of Sasuke Inari, take a moment to look back at the valley. You have walked through eight centuries of history, from the dreams of the first shogun…