Ever thought about getting a little heavenly help with your lottery dreams? Step into Kaichu Inari Shrine in Shinjuku, where every visit is a chance to win big. Nestled in the vibrant heart of Shin-Okubo, this shrine is famed for granting “mina ataru” — literally, “everyone hits” So, if you’ve got goals, Kaichu Inari is where they come to get blessed. Who knows? Your next scratch-off might just be the big one.
Why Visit Kaichu Inari
- Hit Your Mark: They say at Kaichu Inari, every wish is a bullseye. Whether it’s career success, academic achievements, or just snagging that hard-to-get concert ticket, this shrine has a knack for nailing the target.
- Step Back in Time: Experience a slice of Edo right in modern-day Tokyo. With its rich history dating back to 1533, Kaichu Inari offers a unique peek into Japan’s storied past amidst the contemporary hustle of Shinjuku.
- Festivals and Fun: Participate in the vibrant festivals like the Hyakunincho Parade. It’s not every day you see a parade of 100 Edo-period sharpshooters marching through Tokyo!
From Dreams to Bullseyes: The Mystical Origins of Kaichu Inari Shrine
In the shadow of bustling Shinjuku lies Kaichu Inari Shrine, a place with a backstory as intriguing as its name suggests. The shrine’s origins date back to September 27, 1533, when it was established to enshrine Inari, the deity of agriculture, prosperity, and success. Since then, it has stood as the guardian shrine of the area, growing in reverence as Shinjuku itself evolved from a quiet suburb into the vibrant heart of Tokyo.
The story of Kaichu Inari Shrine is intimately tied to the Teppo-gumi, a unit of one hundred riflemen formed by the Tokugawa shogunate during the Edo period. These gunmen, stationed in what is now known as Hyakunincho (literally ‘Hundred People Town’), found themselves under the protective aura of the shrine. Legend has it that the original captain of this unit struggled with his marksmanship until one restless night, Inari appeared in his dreams and granted him a mystical talisman. The next morning, filled with divine confidence, he and his unit displayed unprecedented shooting accuracy, achieving a hundred shots, a hundred hits.
This miraculous event not only bolstered the shrine’s reputation but also led to its name, Kaichu Inari, the kanji meaning “mina ataru” or “everybody hits (the target),” making it a symbol of precise success. As news of this spiritual prowess spread, the shrine began to attract more visitors, not just soldiers but also common folk seeking divine assistance for their own varied aspirations.
Over time, as the Teppo-gumi transitioned from a mobile unit to a permanent fixture in Shinjuku, their influence on the local culture deepened. The soldiers cultivated azaleas in their leisure, which further beautified the area and enhanced its reputation, with these flowers eventually becoming a celebrated feature of the region. This blend of military history and botanical beauty has made Kaichu Inari Shrine not just a spiritual haven but also a cultural landmark, embodying the unique history and spirit of Tokyo.
From Hitting Targets to Winning Tickets: The Evolution of Kaichu Inari
The phrase “mina ataru” or “everyone hits” at Kaichu Inari Shrine has taken on a colorful array of meanings over the centuries. Originally celebrated for its promise of unerring accuracy in archery and later, in riflery, the shrine’s spiritual influence has seamlessly transitioned into the modern era. Today, “hitting the target” has expanded from literal bullseyes to metaphorical ones, embodying the concept of “winning” in various facets of life—most notably, in financial fortune and lottery success.
Historically, visitors came to Kaichu Inari hoping the divine favor would help them “win” by enhancing their wealth, a nod to the common interpretation of “ataru” as securing financial luck or winning big in the lottery. However, a fascinating shift has occurred in what constitutes a “lottery” in contemporary Japan. During my visit, I anticipated discovering ema (prayer plaques) heavy with requests for monetary blessings. Instead, the shrine revealed its role in a different kind of lottery fever—the fierce competition for concert tickets.
In Japan, scoring tickets to see top idol groups and beloved artists isn’t as straightforward as queueing up or clicking through a sales portal. Instead, fans must enter a ticket lottery during a specified application period, where luck determines who gets the chance to purchase these coveted passes. This method levels the playing field but also injects a hefty dose of uncertainty, driving hopeful fans to seek a celestial leg-up at places like Kaichu Inari.
At Kaichu Inari, the modern “lottery” isn’t about cash—it’s about securing a spot at a concert, turning the shrine into a hotspot for music fans clutching onto hopes of seeing their favorite idols live. Each ema hanging in the precincts represents a prayer for luck in this unique lottery, illustrating a vibrant tapestry of contemporary desires intertwined with traditional beliefs. This evolution of “mina ataru” from archery to financial windfalls to concert tickets encapsulates how traditions morph to remain relevant in the ever-changing tapestry of cultural practices.
Celebrating History: The Teppo Hyakunincho Parade
It’s interesting to note that to this day, the legacy of the Teppo-gumi is celebrated with the annual Teppo Hyakunincho Parade, a vibrant highlight of Kaichu Inari Shrine’s festivities each September. Participants don traditional Edo-period costumes and march through the streets of Shinjuku, embodying the disciplined spirit of these historic riflemen. The parade not only recreates the formations of the Teppo-gumi but also includes demonstrations of traditional riflery, complete with the firing of matchlock guns, echoing the sounds of a bygone era.
Video
Kaichu Inari is among the curious destinations featured in this video titled “10 Unusual Things to Do in Tokyo for Curious Explorers”. The segment starts at 3:56.
How to Get to Kaichu Inari
Kaichu Inari (皆中稲荷神社, かいちゅう いなり じんじゃ)
9 AM to 5 PM
Official Website
1-minute walk from JR Shin Okubo Station
3-minute walk from JR Okubo Station
9-minute walk from Seibu Shinjuku Station, Seibu Shinjuku Line
