Exploring Japanese Landmarks in Nishiki-e and Photographs

Oji Inari no Yashiro Shrine

Oji was originally called Kishimura, however the Nyakuichioji no Yashiro Shrine was re-enshrined here from Kumano in Kii, founding the Oji Gongen no Yashiro Shrine, so the name was changed to Ojimura. It flourished as a resort area as a result of the presence of Oji Inari no Yashiro Shrine, and Mt. Asukayama, and a number of famous restaurants were located here including Ogiya and Ebiya. Worshipped with fervor by the common people as a protective deity of food, clothing and shelter. The shrine bustled on the Hatsu-uma (The first day of the horse in February) with the kite market. There is a legend that on New Year's Eve, the foxes of the Kanto region gathered under a nearby Japanese hackberry tree, put on clothes and worshipped. The Japanese hackberry tree where the foxes supposedly gathered was called "Shozoku Enoki" (Costume Japanese hackberry tree).