Inari in Japanese Mythology: Myths, Symbols, and Powers

Many people are first drawn to Inari out of curiosity about Japan’s famous fox spirits or after visiting the breathtaking red torii gates at Kyoto’s Fushimi Inari Shrine. Whether you’re fascinated by folklore, interested in Shinto beliefs, or simply love learning about unique deities, exploring the stories and symbolism surrounding Inari can be fascinating.

This blog post explores Inari – the Japanese god or goddess (or both!) of rice, prosperity, and foxes – and examines what makes this shapeshifting figure one of the most beloved in Japanese culture.

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Inari is a prominent deity in Japan, particularly within the Shinto tradition, associated with agriculture, fertility, prosperity, and business success. While many deities in mythology are fixed in form and identity, Inari stands out for being fluid in gender and manifestation. At times, Inari is depicted as a beautiful woman, other times as an elderly man or a youthful figure – even as a collective of three or five spirits.

This flexibility reflects Inari’s many roles across Japanese society, from guardian of the rice fields to divine patron of merchants, swordsmiths, and blacksmiths. Their popularity has endured for over a thousand years, and they are worshipped at tens of thousands of shrines throughout Japan.

The stories of Inari are as diverse and adaptable as the deity themselves. Passed down through generations and shaped by local traditions, these myths offer insight into Inari’s role in Japanese life and spirituality:

One popular myth tells of Inari descending from the mountains, riding a white fox to help impoverished farmers. They taught the villagers how to grow rice, saving them from famine and earning them a reputation as a generous provider.

Another story connects Inari with Ukanomitama, the Shinto kami of food and agriculture. In some versions, Inari is said to be a form of Ukanomitama or their divine partner, reflecting the deity’s close ties to nourishment and survival.

Over time, Inari’s image was shaped by both Shinto and Buddhist influences. In Buddhist traditions, Inari is sometimes linked to Dakiniten, a powerful figure who also rides a fox and embodies spiritual insight, adding new layers to Inari’s identity.

Inari’s role goes beyond agriculture. As Japan’s society evolved, Inari’s influence expanded into commerce and craftsmanship. During the Edo period, merchants especially venerated Inari, praying for profitable business and good fortune. Swordsmiths also prayed to Inari for precision and strength in their work.

In literature and theatre, Inari often appears as a mysterious helper or protector. They are closely linked to the kitsune – supernatural fox spirits – who can serve as both messengers and manifestations of Inari. These fox spirits are seen as clever, magical beings capable of shape-shifting, often acting as guides or tricksters in traditional stories.

Inari’s powers are primarily rooted in nurturing and sustaining life. As gods of rice, the staple of Japanese food and culture, Inari controls agricultural fertility, harvests, and abundance. They are also credited with bestowing wealth, success, and creative inspiration, especially in industries tied to metalwork and trade. Their powers include:

Perhaps the most iconic symbols of Inari are the red torii gates leading to their shrines, especially the seemingly endless paths at Fushimi Inari-taisha in Kyoto. But Inari’s symbolism goes much deeper.

Inari’s exact lineage is debated and varies across regions. As mentioned, they are often equated with Ukanomitama, a Shinto kami associated with food. In Buddhist contexts, Inari is sometimes linked to Dakiniten, a goddess of esoteric Buddhism who rides a white fox and carries a flaming jewel.

This blending of Shinto and Buddhist influences is characteristic of Japanese spirituality, where religious figures and meanings frequently overlap. As such, Inari is a deity of many faces, equally revered by farmers, monks, artisans, and shopkeepers.

What makes Inari truly unique is their accessibility and presence in everyday life. While some deities are distant or abstract, Inari is felt to be close, approachable and willing to help with practical concerns like feeding a family or running a business.

They are also one of the few deities to maintain immense popularity across centuries. Their shrines are often built near homes, businesses, and rice fields, showing how deeply embedded Inari is in Japanese daily life.

Inari continues to influence Japanese art, anime, films, and games. You may have seen references in Studio Ghibli’s Spirited Away or video games like Ōkami. The image of the fox god, often a white fox with red markings, is now iconic and instantly recognisable.

Modern visitors to Japan are often fascinated by the Inari, especially when encountering the mystical atmosphere of Fushimi Inari Shrine, with its forested trails, lanterns, and fox statues. Inari’s enduring presence shows how mythology continues to inspire and enchant people today.

There are over 30,000 Inari shrines in Japan, making Inari one of the most worshipped deities in the country. The most famous is Fushimi Inari-taisha, but smaller shrines exist in nearly every city, town, and rural community. If you're planning to visit an Inari shrine, here are a few pointers for how to pray:

People often leave offerings of:

These offerings show thanks and invite continued blessings from the deity.

Inari is associated with rice, agriculture, prosperity, and fertility. While sometimes referred to as a goddess, Inari is often gender-fluid and appears in many forms. Their divine role also includes protecting businesses and craftsmen.

An Inari shrine is a place dedicated to the worship of Inari. These shrines often feature red torii gates and fox statues, representing the deity’s messengers. They serve as spiritual spaces where people offer prayers for abundance and protection.

Inari is the deity, while kitsune are fox spirits that serve or represent Inari. Some believe that particularly powerful foxes may be manifestations of Inari. Kitsune often act as intermediaries between humans and the divine.

Inari can be male, female, both, or neither. This fluid identity is one of the unique aspects of their mythology. It reflects the inclusive nature of Inari’s spiritual role across different communities.

Inari is not limited by gender, but when appearing in male form, they are sometimes identified with agricultural gods like Ukanomitama. This version often embodies wisdom and paternal protection.

Inari is viewed as compassionate, generous, and powerful. They’re also seen as a protector and provider, willing to intervene to help those in need. Many worshippers describe Inari as warm and approachable.

There are no widely accepted stories of Inari having a romantic partner, as the deity’s focus is more on community, provision, and spiritual power. Their mythology centres on service rather than romantic entanglements.

Torii gates, fox statues, and rice offerings are all important symbols found at shrines dedicated to Inari. Each element reflects Inari’s connection to nourishment, spirituality, and divine guardianship.

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