Known by locals as “Tokkirisama,” “Toki Kiri Inari Jinja” is an unmanned shrine located in a semi-secluded area in Kumenan, Okayama. This autumn, the shrine was restored and is now open to the public. Praying at the shrine is said to bring back lost items—whether it’s literally a lost “item” or a lost “love.” That’s right, at this rather rare one-of-a-kind shrine, praying for your lost item or love to return on X month of X day of X year could potentially bring it back.
Praying for a return of lost “love” could potentially bring it back, but even if that doesn’t happen, locals believe that you can get back the “self” that was frozen in time along with that love. Either way, it’s a win-win situation for those who are having trouble moving on and are looking to get back on one’s feet after a painful situation. Why not pay the shrine a visit? Refer to the following link for more details: http://www.town.kumenan.okayama.jp/sightseeing_event/sightseeing/tokkirisama.html (Japanese-only)
Okayama Prefecture is located in the Chugoku region of Japan and is blessed with both abundant nature and relaxing hot springs, making it a great place for relaxation and getting away from the bustling city. In addition to the surrounding nature, Okayama is also known for its various spiritual spots such as the “Samuhara Shrine” which was known for providing protection charms to Japanese soldiers during World War II.
One of those spiritual spots happens to be the “Toki Kiri Inari Jinja” shrine which lets visitors decide the day they would like their wish to come true. Instead of waiting indefinitely for your wish to come true, it is said that something mysterious will happen on the day you set you ask to find your lost “item” if you ask the gods for help: “Please let me find XX on X month X day X year!!”
Although the shrine is unmanned for most of the year, visitors will have the opportunity to purchase protection charms 3 times a year (the second Sunday of March, the 4th Sunday of September, and the 3rd Sunday of November) if they are lucky. For those collecting “goshuin” or temple seals, this shrine’s seal will be available at a nearby temple (Mimasaka Tanjo-ji) from 9:00am – 5:00pm.
Whether it’s something tangible like an item you can hold in your hand, or something that can’t be seen with the naked eye like a relationship, this shrine is said to help you turn the hands of time and move forward to a brighter future.
We recommend you visit during the cooler months as mosquitos may be a problem during the warmer months (especially summer).
【Access】
30 minutes via the Chugoku Expressway (Toll road)/Tsuyama Interchange, and 20 minutes via the Innosho Interchange
10-minute walk from Tanjo-ji Station, JR Tsuyama Line
10-minute walk from the 3rd Tanjo-ji parking lot