The Oji Fox Parade originates from a legend that foxes from all over the Kanto region gathered under a large nettle tree at this shrine to pay homage to Oji Inari on New Year's Eve.
The parade was revived in 1993 to celebrate the local history and folklore of the fox fire (kitsune-bi).
Utagawa Hiroshige, a famous ukiyo-e artist, featured this shrine in his 'One Hundred Famous Views of Edo' series.
The shrine serves as the guardian deity of the northern section of Edo (modern-day Tokyo).
Many locals traditionally visited this site before heading to nearby Oji Station to catch transportation.
Ōji Inari Shrine is the head shrine for approximately 3,000 Inari shrines in the Kanto region. It is most famous for the Oji Fox Parade (Oji Kitsune-bi Gyoretsu), held annually on New Year's Eve, where participants dress as foxes in reference to local folklore. The shrine is situated on a small hill and is historically associated with protection against fire and the promotion of performing arts. The grounds feature a stone fox statue and a small sub-shrine dedicated to Otaki-san, a guardian deity of water. Visitors access the main inner sanctum via a stone staircase. It remains a significant site for worshippers seeking blessings for business prosperity and family safety. The site maintains a traditional Edo-period atmosphere, contrasting with the surrounding residential district of Kita City.
The vermillion torii gates and the stone fox statues near the entrance provide the most distinct visual identity.
Walk up the hill to the sub-shrine behind the main building for a quieter, more secluded experience.
Look for the small stone fox sculptures tucked away near the main altar.
Visit during the early morning hours to avoid crowds during local neighborhood festivals.
Avoid taking photographs of worshippers while they are in the middle of their prayers.
The Oji Fox Parade occurs annually on the evening of December 31st.
Bow slightly before entering the torii gate, perform the ritual purification at the temizuya water basin, and maintain a quiet, respectful demeanor.
