In the hollow of Takuzosu-Inari Shrine, there are a number of torii gates built as if to seal something

Near Denzu-in is a temple called Jigen-in. The main hall, rebuilt in 1961, is honestly not that impressive, even though the inner and outer sanctuaries are said to be of all hinoki cypress construction. The most interesting part of the temple is located in a hollow on the right side of the main hall.

This is the location of Takuzosu-Inari shrine. At the hollow at the bottom of the stairs are a series of torii gates and a shrine called "Oana". Takuzosu was a fox who disguised himself as a human and studied in the school dormitory of Denzu-in Temple, where he is said to have mastered the doctrines of Buddhism in only three years. After his mastery, he appeared in the high priest's dream and said, "I am Inari Daimyojin in Chiyoda Castle, and I have been able to master the secrets of the Pure Land, which I have long desired. From now on, I will return to my original position as the deity Inari, but I would like to repay you by becoming the guardian deity of Denzu-in Temple." This is why a shrine dedicated to Takuzosu was built at this location.

The fact that a fox became a master of the doctrines of the Jodo sect in just three years is interesting in itself, but the sight of a series of torii gates in a narrow space is also interesting enough. It seems as if the torii gates are placed at the bottom of a hollow and sealed off to prevent anything from coming out. It may be a torii gate protecting us in an unseen place like the frog in Haruki Murakami's "Super-Frog Saves Tokyo".

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