Bring Home A Souvenir Fox From Kyoto's Fushimi Inari Shrine!

There are foxes all throughout Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto. However, they are not animals, but sacred beings.

Fushimi Inari is a high-ranking shrine in the country and is where the Japanese god Inari-no-kami is enshrined. Foxes, familiars of Inari-no-kami, have also been considered objects of worship alongside Inari-no-kami as sacred beasts that convey the wills of god to humans.

In this article, we’ll introduce the fox goods that are sold at Fushimi Inari and its nearby areas. These goods are naturally blessed and all of them are very adorable!

Too Adorable! White Fox Goods

White Fox Strap (1000 yen)

A strap that fits in the palm of your hands. These foxes have faces that look like they’re somehow feigning ignorance which is adorable. They’re made from silk crepe, so they are pleasant to the touch and somehow feel soothing too.

By the way, though the foxes at Fushimi Inari are all white in color, its color is a representation of their transparency. Due to both foxes and gods being sacred beings, they cannot be seen by our human eyes under normal circumstances.

Fox Fortunes (500 yen)

These are extremely adorable Fox Fortunes that have a plump form, a pure white body, red nose, and cute eyes. Fortune slips are inserted inside these ceramic foxes and will tell you your fortune. You may even forget to read your fortune, these statues are that adorable!

Intermediary Dolls (5000 yen)

Vividly colored and adorable fox dolls. The sight of these dolls seated upright in wedding attire is almost like a scene straight out of a fairy tale and is very cute.

However, even when in this attire, they are respectable retainers of the gods. These intermediary dolls are dolls that represent the messenger foxes under Inari-no-okami who governs over marriages. From the right to left is the husband, matchmaker, and wife; these three dolls come in one set. If you welcome these dolls to your home, they will surely bring wonderful relationships to your family.

For Those That Want Extra Potency! Four Classical Charms

If you have visited Fushimi Inari Shrine before, then you may have noticed that the fox of the main shrine is holding something in its mouth. There are actually various meanings to the objects that are held in its mouth. A key represents the key to the god’s treasure hall, a jewel would be the spirits of the deceased, a scroll would be the faith of god, and an ear of rice represents an abundant harvest.

Here are charms that are based on these historic votive objects

Key of Achievement Charm, Jewel of Achievement Charm (1000 yen each)
Scroll of Achievement Charm, Ear of Rice of Achievement Charm (800 yen each)

These straps are miniatures of the divine treasures that are held in the fox’s mouth. They may be very small, but they have been elaborately made one by one. It’s also fun to choose from the four charm types to match your wishes.

From adorable foxes to fully potent charms. Please try searching for your preferred item in commemoration of your visit to Fushimi Inari Shrine.

Information

White Fox Strap, Achievement Charm Series
Kyoto Fushimi Inari Shrine
Address: Kyoto, Kyoto, Fushimi, Fukakusa Yabunochicho 68
Nearest Station: JR Nara Line at Inari Station
Access: A minute walk to the east from the station exit
Phone: 075-641-7331
Website: http://inari.jp/

Fox Fortunes, Intermediary Dolls
Araki Shrine
Address: Kyoto, Kyoto, Fushimi, Fukakusa Kaidoguchicho 12-3
Nearest Station: JR Nara Line at Inari Station
Access: Down the shrine road to Fushimi Inari
Phone: 075-643-0651
Website: http://arakijinja.jp/ (Japanese)