Matsuo Inari Shrine

Matsuo Inari Shrine is an Inari shrine in Hyogo Ward, Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture, enshrining Ukanomitama-no-Okami, Satohiko-no-Okami, and Oomiyanome-no-Okami. The shrine’s name is said to derive from a pine tree associated with Kusunoki Masashige. Access to Matsuo Inari Shrine is about a 10-minute walk from JR Kobe Line Kobe Station or Kobe Municipal Subway Harborland Station. The shrine is believed to be especially efficacious for business prosperity, matchmaking, and success in love. Around 350 lanterns are displayed before the deities, earning it the nickname “the Inari shrine of lantern bearers.” It is also famous for enshrining a Billiken figure known as “Shofuku-san,” said to bring benefits such as healing from illness and improvement in studies, housed deep within the shrine building. While the Billiken originated overseas, the Billiken at Matsuo Inari Shrine is a uniquely “Japan-style Billiken,” blending Japanese and Western elements: it holds a lucky mallet in its right hand and a sacred jewel in its left, sits on a rice bale, and carries an oval gold coin on its back.