I became familiar with Teppōzu Inari Shrine because many of my acquaintances participated in the annual “Winter Water Bathing Festival” held every January. While I myself only show up to watch my friends participate, the festival begins with a greeting from the chief priest, who speaks about the shrine’s history and origins. Hearing these words from the priest sparked my interest, and I began visiting the shrine frequently. This “Midwinter Water Bathing Festival” apparently began as a purification ritual praying for health and safety throughout the year. After the priest’s purification rites, participants perform thorough warm-up exercises. Then, about 80 parishioners, wearing white headbands and loincloths (women wear white ceremonial robes), enter a water tank filled with ice floes to purify themselves. This scene is cherished as a New Year tradition. Still, I can’t help but be amazed that this ritual takes place right in the heart of Tokyo… However, seeing my elderly acquaintances participate in this ritual year after year made me truly understand that “faith is not just about offering prayers, but also about the act of purifying oneself.”

I hope you will visit Teppōzu Inari Shrine near dusk and walk quietly along the approach. Though nestled within the city’s bustle, it envelops visitors in a mysterious tranquility. When I explain to our hotel guests that “by joining hands at the Fujizuka Sengen Shrine alongside the main hall, you can embody the prayer of climbing Mount Fuji right in the heart of Tokyo,” many express keen interest. While Tokyo boasts numerous tourist attractions, I sincerely hope visitors will seek out shrines as “landmarks of prayer” on foot, fully savoring with all their senses an atmosphere unlike anything found on the main streets of Ginza or Kyobashi.