Sasuke Inari Jinja

Resting in a quiet valley a walk west of Kamakura Station, Sasuke Inari Jinja is a mystical spot where rows of vermilion torii gates wind through a deep green hollow. It takes its origin from the legend that when Minamoto no Yoritomo, the first shogun of the Kamakura shogunate, was exiled to Izu, the Inari deity appeared in his dream and urged him to defeat the Heike, and so it is also called the Inari of advancement. Known for blessings of success, career fortune, and the fulfillment of ambition, it is a hidden good-fortune spot visited by exam takers, job seekers, and would-be entrepreneurs. Each time you pass through the rows of gates, you feel as if stepping into another world.

Highlights

- A mystical tunnel of vermilion torii gates winding through the green valley - Faith as the Inari of advancement, drawn from the success legend of Minamoto no Yoritomo - Tranquil grounds dotted with statues of white foxes

Enjoying the Seasons

The fresh-green season offers the most beautiful time, when the vermilion of the gates contrasts vividly with the green of the trees. In summer the cool air of the valley is pleasant, and in autumn the coloring trees set off the vermilion gates all the more. Unlike the crowded center of Kamakura, here a quiet time of prayer flows.

Access and Basic Information

- Location: 2-22-12 Sasuke, Kamakura City, Kanagawa Prefecture - Access: About 20 minutes on foot from the west exit of JR Kamakura Station - Hours: Grounds open freely (shrine office during daytime) - Admission: Free

A Quick Tip

The approach has stone steps and slopes, so visit in easy-to-walk shoes. Touring it together with the nearby Zeniarai Benzaiten makes for a full good-fortune circuit. The gate-lined approach is photogenic, so a quiet morning hour is recommended.