Toyokawa Inari, Buddhist temple in Toyokawa, Japan.
Toyokawa Inari is a Buddhist temple in Toyokawa-chō, Japan, with a main hall built from zelkova wood. The grounds spread across wooded hills with several prayer halls and stone paths winding between old trees.
The monk Tokai Geki founded the site in 1441 and dedicated it to the deity Dakini Ten. Three major warlords from the 16th century came here to pray for victory before battles.
The name Toyokawa Inari means "rice" and refers to early prayers for good harvests, while fox statues come from Shinto tradition as divine messengers. Local worshippers tie red bibs around the foxes to transmit wishes and seek protection from Dakini Ten.
Stone paths connect the prayer halls, making it possible to explore the complex on foot. The site receives visitors year-round, with main festivals taking place in May, August and November.
On the hill Reiko-Zuka stand hundreds of stone fox statues, each with a red bib. The hall also houses a Jizo Bodhisattva statue classified as a national cultural asset.
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