Nagoya Shrine Visit Report 2025 Mizuho No.12 Ganmichi Fushimi Inari
Ganmichi Fushimi Inari Shrine — A Symbol of Japan’s Tolerant Spirit
Next to the Fuji Hachiman Shrine in Mizuho Ward, Nagoya, stands a line of brilliant vermilion torii gates marking the entrance to Ganmichi Fushimi Inari Shrine. Though the two shrines share the same precinct, they belong to entirely different belief systems. Yet they coexist in harmony — a living example of Japan’s unique spiritual tolerance, where deities are accepted rather than excluded.
History
The exact founding date of Ganmichi Fushimi Inari Shrine is unknown, but it is said to have been consecrated with the divided spirit of Fushimi Inari Taisha in Kyoto. Located in what was once a bustling merchant district, the shrine was worshiped by townspeople praying for good harvests, prosperity, and household safety.
By the early 1930s, local merchants of the Ganmichi shopping street began maintaining the approach and donating torii gates. During the 1970s, the community renewed the vermilion torii through local contributions, a tradition that continues today. Each gate bears the name of a donor, symbolizing how the faith has been passed down through generations.
Chronological Table
| Year (AD) | Event | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Unknown | Believed to have been consecrated with the divided spirit of Fushimi Inari Taisha (Kyoto). | Based on oral tradition; no extant inscription. |
| c. 1930s | Local merchants began maintaining the approach and donating torii gates. | Faith spreads among the local community. |
| c. 1970s–Present | Vermilion torii renewed through community support; worship continues to this day. | Names of donors engraved on each gate (field observation by the author). |
Deities
| Type | Deity (Japanese) | Reading | Role / Origin | Blessings | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Main deity (assumed) | 倉稲魂命 | Uka-no-Mitama-no-Mikoto | Goddess of grain and fertility, principal deity of Fushimi Inari Taisha in Kyoto. | Prosperity, household safety, good harvest | No official inscription; estimated based on local oral tradition. |
Within the Grounds
The shrine’s short yet graceful pathway of torii gates reflects the devotion of local contributors. At the entrance, a pair of white fox statues guard the grounds — messengers of the Inari deity, often seen holding keys or jewels as symbols of fortune and abundance.
In front of the main hall, two round stones known as “Omokaru Ishi” (Heavy-Light Stones) rest on small cushions. Visitors gently lift the stones twice — once before making a wish, and again while thinking of that wish. If the stone feels lighter the second time, the wish is said to come true; if it feels heavier, more effort may be needed. This simple act of devotion has long served as a reflection of one’s heart and determination.
When I visited on October 29, 2025, the air was serene and the contrast between the vermilion gates and the autumn sunlight was striking. The stones, torii, and fox guardians together conveyed the quiet continuity of faith among the people of Ganmichi.
The Spirit of Eight Million Gods
Fuji Hachiman Shrine and Ganmichi Fushimi Inari Shrine stand side by side — one venerating the martial protection of Hachiman, the other the blessings of harvest and trade. These two distinct deities coexist without conflict, embodying Japan’s ancient belief in the “Yaoyorozu no Kami” — the Eight Million Gods who live in harmony.
“The gods do not compete — they stand together.” This is the essence of Japan’s faith.
Conclusion
Ganmichi Fushimi Inari Shrine is a modest yet deeply spiritual place, where the everyday prayers of local people continue quietly through the seasons. Within its small grounds lies the spirit of Japan’s religious tolerance and its timeless reverence for nature and coexistence.
Japan is said to have around 80,000 shrines across the country. When I visited Fuji Hachiman Shrine, just a few steps away I found myself standing before this Inari shrine. Although no stone lanterns or artifacts were found here, all photos in this article were taken on-site during my visit — to share a glimpse of Japan’s living faith and cultural beauty with readers around the world.
Nagoya Shrine Visit Report 2025 Mizuho No.11 Fuji Hachiman Shrine