The Foundation and History of the Shrine
Origins of the Shrine
No definitive historical record remains concerning the exact date of Tosa Inari Shrine’s foundation. However, it is traditionally said to have stood for centuries at the Tosa Domain’s warehouse residence along the Nagahori River. The Tosa Domain corresponded roughly to present-day Kochi Prefecture.
Some accounts date the shrine’s foundation to the Tensho era (1573–1593), while another tradition holds that it was transferred from Fushimi Inari Shrine in 1770.
Yamauchi Toyotaka and the Tosa Domain
In 1717, Tosa Domain lord Yamauchi Toyotaka constructed a shrine building and established Tosa Inari as a guardian shrine of the domain.
From that time onward, the Yamauchi family is said to have paid their respects at the shrine whenever they traveled between their domain and Edo under the sankin-kotai system. Repairs to the shrine buildings were also financed by the domain.
The Connection with the Sakai Incident
In 1868, the Sakai Incident took place. The incident began when soldiers of the Tosa Domain clashed with French Imperial troops, resulting in the deaths of several French soldiers.
In response to French demands, the Meiji government ordered 20 men to perform seppuku. Eleven of them were selected by drawing lots at Tosa Inari Shrine. During the executions, however, the French side requested that the remaining nine men be spared.
Iwasaki Yataro and Mitsubishi
Transfer of the Property and Reconstruction of the Shrine
In the early Meiji period, Tosa Inari Shrine was transferred to Iwasaki Yataro together with the former Tosa Domain warehouse residence.
Iwasaki developed his shipping business here, which became the foundation of the Mitsubishi enterprise. The site is therefore regarded as the birthplace of Mitsubishi’s business activities.
Iwasaki subsequently rebuilt the shrine buildings. The shrine was also elevated to the status of a Go-sha, or village-level shrine, and its role as a guardian shrine associated with the Mitsubishi Group became firmly established.
War Damage and Reconstruction
Tosa Inari Shrine lost its shrine buildings during the Osaka air raids of 1945. After the war, the shrine was rebuilt in 1993 through donations from the Mitsubishi Group.
Traces of the fire that destroyed the shrine can still be seen on some of the stone lanterns within the grounds.
Enshrined Deities and Shrine Grounds
Main Deities
The principal deities enshrined at Tosa Inari Shrine include:
Uga Mitama no Okami, also known as Ukanomitama no Kami or Kura-Inatama no Mikoto
Susanoo no Okami
Oichi-hime no Okami
Tanaka no Okami, also associated with Otoshi no Kami and Okuninushi no Kami
Facilities and Smaller Shrines
The shrine grounds include the main sanctuary and worship hall, rebuilt in 1993, as well as the Inner Shrine, Genpachi Shrine, and Daikoku Shrine.
Wakamiya Shrine is traditionally associated with the geisha of Horie, who visited to pray for greater skill in the performing arts.
Tamanesha, Iwai Shrine, and Ishimiya Shrine are associated with protection for safe travel at sea.
On the eastern side of the grounds stands a monument marking the former site of Iwasaki Yataro’s residence. The shrine’s crest incorporates the Three Diamonds, the symbol associated with Mitsubishi, and many Mitsubishi companies have donated stone fences surrounding the shrine.
A pair of fox statues donated by Jinmaku Kyugoro, the 12th yokozuna, also remains on the grounds.
Tosa Inari Shrine as a Cherry Blossom Spot
Tosa Inari Shrine is also well known as a cherry blossom viewing spot. Its popularity dates back to the Edo period, when its cherry blossoms were recorded in the illustrated guidebook Setsu Meisho Zue Taisei.
When spring arrives, the cherry trees throughout the shrine grounds attract many worshippers and visitors. A monument inscribed with a haiku by Takarai Kikaku also stands within the grounds:
“Myojo ya / sakura sadamenu / yama-katsura”
All of the shrine’s cherry trees were destroyed by fire during the war. However, young trees planted after the war gradually matured, and the shrine has once again become a popular destination for enjoying cherry blossoms in spring.
Access
From Nishinagahori Station on the Osaka Metro Sennichimae Line, the shrine is approximately a 2-minute walk west.
A Historic Shrine in the Heart of Osaka
Tosa Inari Shrine offers visitors an unusual opportunity to encounter the history of Osaka’s development, the Tosa Domain, and the origins of the Mitsubishi enterprise in one peaceful urban setting.
The shrine’s historical connections, surviving traces of its past, and beautiful cherry blossoms make it an appealing stop for travelers exploring Osaka’s history and culture.
In spring, the blooming cherry trees add another layer of beauty to this quiet shrine, creating a pleasant contrast with the surrounding city.