By ando 
Anamori Inari Jinja is enshrined in Haneda, Ota Ward, Tokyo. Located right next to Haneda Airport, this jinja, which attracts immense reverence from airline industry personnel and travelers, is steeped in a tumultuous history and wondrous legends that go far beyond the simple description of a “power spot.”
Basic Information
Location: 5-2-7 Haneda, Ota Ward, Tokyo
Enshrined kami: Toyouke Hime no Mikoto
Divine Blessings: Business prosperity, family safety, aviation safety, warding off evil, recovery from illness
Access: Approximately 3 minutes walk from Anamori-Inari Station on the Keikyu Airport Line
Origin of “Anamori”: Protecting the Holes in the Embankment
The history of Anamori Inari Jinja dates back to the Bunka-Bunsei era (1804-1830) of the Edo period. At that time, this area was newly reclaimed land known as “Suzuki Shinden.” However, repeated high tides caused holes in the embankment, leading to severe flooding.
It is said that when Inari Okami was enshrined atop the embankment, the sea miraculously calmed, and the damage subsided. From “protecting the holes in the embankment,” the name “Anamori” (meaning “hole protector”) was given to the jinja. For this reason, it is still revered today as a jinja with the strong power to “prevent something” or “protect thoroughly.”
The Legendary “Sand of Anamori”: A Secret Method for Inviting Good Fortune
At Okunomiya, located deep within the jinja grounds, there is “Osuna” (sacred sand) that has been passed down since ancient times. This sand is believed to possess special powers, with a tradition that if you take it home and scatter it at your entrance, it will bring business prosperity. For the ill, placing it under their bed is said to lead to recovery.
Long ago, an old man fishing in this area experienced a strange phenomenon: the fish in his basket inexplicably turned into damp sand. The legend states that when villagers scattered this sand in their gardens, they enjoyed continuous bountiful catches, and this is considered the origin of the “Sand of Anamori.”
The Post-War’s Greatest Mystery: The “Cursed Torii”
Indispensable when talking about Anamori Inari Jinja is the urban legend surrounding the “Old Great Torii,” which was once left behind inside Haneda Airport.
Immediately after the end of World War II in 1945, due to Haneda Airport expansion work by the Allied Powers (GHQ), Anamori Inari Jinja and its surrounding residents were ordered to forcibly evacuate within a mere 48 hours. The shrine buildings were demolished, but because the Great Torii was built so sturdily, attempts were made to pull it down with ropes.
However, during this attempt, the ropes broke, resulting in an accident that caused casualties among the workers. Even after that, every time they tried to remove the torii, a series of sudden deaths among construction supervisors and equipment malfunctions occurred, leading to fears that “a kami resides in the torii” or “it is the curse of Anamori-sama.”
Ultimately, the GHQ also gave up on its removal, and the torii stood alone for a long time in a parking lot beside the runway. In 1999, with the development of a new runway, it was finally relocated to its current spot (at the foot of Benten Bridge). Even then, careful purification rites were performed, and it is now cherished as a “symbol of peace.”
A Sacred Place for Aviation Safety and Behind-the-Scenes Stories
Given its location next to Haneda Airport, it is common to see staff from various airlines, including JAL and ANA, visiting the jinja in their uniforms to pay respects. In fact, a “Haneda Aviation Jinja,” enshrining a divided spirit of Anamori Inari Jinja, still exists within the airport, doubly safeguarding aviation safety.
Furthermore, the jinja grounds feature a “Senbon Torii” (thousand torii gates), known as one of Tokyo’s most photogenic spots. Each of these gates embodies the sentiments of those who were once driven from this land and the deep prayers of devotees who wished for its reconstruction.
Pilgrimage Information: Anamori Inari Jinja in Anime
Due to its unique atmosphere, Anamori Inari Jinja has also appeared as a setting or model in anime works.
Alice & Zoroku: A scene where the protagonists visit the jinja features a faithful depiction of its distinctive Senbon Torii and grounds.
Luck & Logic: Set in the vicinity of Haneda, the anime features scenery reminiscent of Anamori Inari Jinja.
Next time you use Haneda Airport, why not take a short detour to visit this witness to history? There, right next to the modern airport, a powerful sacred area continues to spread, protecting people steadfastly.
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