Imamasu Inari Shrine

Making the present
even more abundant

Some people are never happy, no matter how fortunate their circumstances.
Others are happy even under the most difficult circumstances.
The kami of abundant harvests, Ukanomitama-no-Kami enshrined at Imamasu Inari Shrine,
and his two messengers—the laughing and smiling foxes—say that abundance comes from the heart.
They also say laughter brings good luck, wards off misfortune,
helps business prosper, brings good fortune, and nurtures good relationships.
Once farmland where golden fields shimmered in the sun,
this is now Fukuoka Tenjin—the heart of the city’s economy and a place for sharing ideas and emotions.
Here reside the kami who make people’s lives, businesses,
and the present ever more abundant.

About Imamasu Inari Shrine

Imamasu Inari Shrine is located within the grounds of Fukuoka Tenjin Kego Shrine.
Two laughing and smiling foxes welcome you in front of the torii gates.

The foxes continuously keep watch over people as the messengers of the kami.
If you stroke one of these laughing and smiling foxes on your way home after worship, it’s said that good fortune will follow.

Imamasu Inari Shrine will continue to embrace the wishes of all who come to worship, making their lives, businesses, and the present even more abundant for generations to come.

今益稲荷神社

Enshrined kami and history

The shrine honors Ukanomitama-no-Kami, one of the kami enshrined at Fushimi Inari Taisha in Kyoto.
As the kami of bountiful harvests, Ukanomitama-no-Kami is revered not just as the kami of agriculture and commerce but also as the kami of food, clothing, and shelter.
Imamasu Inari Shrine is also depicted on the ancient picture map of Kego Shrine in Chikuzen-no-kuni Shoku Fudoki (History book of Chikuzen Province).

Enshrined kami and history

About the laughing
and smiling foxes

Four stone statues of foxes are lined up in a row with the torii gates. The two foxes in front of the main sanctuary present stern expressions to ward off evil.
On the other hand, the foxes in front of the torii gates that greet visitors coming to worship are laughing and smiling.
They welcome you with compassion and peace and listen to your wishes.

About the laughing and smiling foxes About the laughing and smiling foxes

Jinja gifts

Jinja gifts of Imamasu Inari Shrine are available at the jinja gift counter of the Kego Shrine office.

  • Imamasu Amulet

    Imamasu Amulet

    Golden ears of ripe rice overflowing from a masu (square measuring box).
    The amulet is imbued with prayers for business prosperity and success and for more abundance in your present life.

  • Laughing fox tenugui towel

    Laughing fox tenugui towel

    This tenugui towel features the Imamasu Inari Shrine Crest.
    It can be used for a variety of purposes, allowing you to feel a connection with the shrine in your daily life.

  • Laughing and smiling fox fortune slips

    Laughing and smiling fox fortune slips

    There are two types, a laughing fox with black whiskers and a smiling fox with gold whiskers.
    A rolled-up fortune slip is inserted at the bottom.
    Reintroduced due to popular demand.

  • Imamasu Inari Shrine goshuin

    Imamasu Inari Shrine goshuin

    This seal from Imamasu Inari Shrine features a laughing fox and ears of ripe rice overflowing from a masu (square measuring box).
    We encourage you to stroke the heads of the laughing and smiling foxes on your visit.
    *Please note that we only provide pre-written goshuin (i.e., they cannot be handwritten on the spot).

Hatsuuma-sai (Inari shrine ceremony)

Hatsuuma-sai
(Inari shrine ceremony)

Hatsuuma-sai (Inari shrine ceremony) is a ceremony to pray for the kami
of bountiful harvests and business prosperity.
Some 1,300 years ago, Ukanomitama-no-Kami was enshrined at Fushimi Inari Taisha,
in Kyoto, on the first Day of the Horse in February.
Since that day, Hatsuuma-sai has been held at Inari shrines across the country,
and Imamasu Inari Shrine holds one as well.
There is also a naorai (post-ceremony gathering with food) held so that regular worshippers can socialize.
Please come and join us.

Date and time
First Day of the Horse in February, 1:00 p.m.
Place
Imamasu Inari Shrine (Kego Shrine grounds)
(Registration and participation is at the Imamasu Inari Shrine)
General attendance
You can view the ceremony on the day it is held.