The Year of the Horse Starts Here! A Luck-Boosting Visit to Mabashi Inari Shrine 🐎

Hello, fellow travel lovers!

Since it’s the Year of the Horse, we went to visit a shrine connected to the zodiac.

Over the past few years, this flow has quietly become our tradition.　First, a shrine visit—then a New Year’s gathering 🍻

This year again, we’re sticking to that order 🐎

The moment you step onto the approach, the air changes

Mabashi Inari Shrine　(About a 10-minute walk from Asagaya Station)阿佐ヶ谷駅から徒歩10分ほど。

*As you pass through the quiet residential neighborhood, the air suddenly feels different.

Sunlight and blue sky stretch all the way along the approach.

Just starting to walk makes your back straighten naturally.

Ah… already feels sacred.

I’m a “quick read” person when it comes to explanation boards

Said to date back to the Kamakura period, this is a shrine known for its strong luck.

A dragon-carved torii gate, a huge bell, and plenty of miraculous stories.

In short—it’s auspicious. Got it!

The purification fountain is backlit, but the star is the dragon

The whole area is a bit hard to see because of the backlight…

But zoom in on the ascending dragon and—

So powerful. Luck is definitely on the rise.

Zuishin Gate and the giant bell, perfectly framed by blue sky

Beyond the Zuishin Gate hangs a massive bell, 75 cm in diameter.

It looks so good against the blue sky that I found myself staring up without moving.

Keeping the prayer simple

After offering a coin, first comes:　“Thank you, always.”

And of course, “May we be able to travel safely again this year.”

Lanterns and a fox

Lantern

and a fox statue. That alone is enough to say, “Yes, this is an Inari shrine.”

January-only: Hagoita-style Fukujumamori

At the shrine office, we spotted handmade hagoita-shaped lucky charms.

Every design is different, and the shuttlecock is made with a bell.　Choosing one = serious decision time.

When my friend and I lined ours up—surprisingly similar.

We picked separately, yet somehow… our tastes match too well 😂

A greeting to Benzaiten as well

Finally, we paid our respects to Benzaiten.

May our travels and connections continue to flow smoothly.