Hoshitumugi Inari Shrine

About

Greeting from the Chief Priest

"We spin the stars and connect the bonds."

The shrine is located in Hoshinafu Hoshihari City, a place long known for its beautiful view of the Milky Way. People have always linked the stars in the night sky to their daily peace and harvests.

We worship the fox deity Tuzuri Ōkami, who spins the threads of the stars and aligns human destinies. For over a thousand years, this Inari Shrine has carried the prayers of the people.

We hope the shrine, together with the rich nature of Hoshinafu, will be a place of comfort for visitors and a space where bonds lead to a bright future.

We sincerely pray that your path in life is always illuminated by the light of the stars.

15th Chief Priest of Hoshitumugi Inari Shrine
Tsumugi Inoue

History

903

Founding: A Starry Night Prophecy

The history of Hoshitumugi Inari Shrine is said to go back over a thousand years.

One night, a large meteor fell into the Ryokusei Forest behind the current main hall.

That night, a maiden dreamed of Tuzuri Ōkami, the fox deity who spins the threads of stars and guides human paths.

Following this guidance, villagers built a shrine and began the faith of aligning fates according to the stars. The fragments of the fallen stars were enshrined as the sacred object, giving the shrine its name "Hoshitumugi".

1234

Guardian Deity: Guidance for Warriors

At that time, the shrine was deeply revered as the "God of Guidance." Warriors prayed here for safe travels and clear choices in life. They received the sacred "Star Light" from the shrine.

In agriculture, wisdom spread on "planting according to the stars," linking Inari faith with celestial observation and creating unique rituals for bountiful harvests.

1683

Prosperity: Bustling Post Town and "Star-Spinning Pilgrimages"

Hoshinafu thrived as a key town on the highways and became a busy post town.

Travelers stopped at the shrine to pray for safety and prepare their hearts for the next journey.

During this period, the custom of "Hoshitumogi Mairi" emerged—visiting the shrine, taking a break at a tea house, and receiving a small sacred light.

1943

Survival: Escaping the Fires of War

During modernization, the shrine faced challenges.

During air raids on Hoshinafu, the shrine grounds miraculously remained untouched. Locals said, "The sacred pine trees acted as Tuzuri Ōkami’s star shield to protect the shrine."

20XX

To the Future: Spinning Stars and Connecting Bonds

Today, even as Hoshinafu urbanizes, stepping into the shrine grounds brings the same calm as a thousand years ago, preserving a culture of looking at the sky.

The shrine is now widely revered, especially by younger generations, for forming bonds, providing guidance, and supporting new beginnings for luck.

We continue to offer prayers to carry the "memory of the stars" into the next thousand years.

Deity

Tuzuri Ōkami

The guiding god who spins the stars and aligns destiny

The main deity of Hoshitumugi Inari Shrine, Tuzuri Ōkami, appeared from the light of a meteor that fell into Ryokusei Forest a thousand years ago. The fox deity carefully weaves human connections and destinies.

Blessings

Tuzuri Ōkami combines the Inari powers of "prosperity" with the celestial power of stars.

Destiny Alignment (Luck & Guidance)
Adjusts your life path and clears obstacles, like untangling threads of fate.
Bond Weaving (Matchmaking)
Connects people, work, and life paths, like stars forming constellations.
Fulfillment of Heartfelt Wishes
Gives confidence and energy to turn strong inner desires into reality.

As a Fox Deity

Tuzuri Ōkami is usually depicted as a fox. Foxes have long been seen as guides across boundaries.

The fox of Hoshitumugi quietly walks the boundary between the night sky and human hearts, watching over those who are lost, helping them move forward.

Shrine Crest

The Crest of Hoshitumugi Inari Shrine

The crest symbolizes "star guidance," "bond connection," and "path alignment."
It combines the rice ears representing Inari, the spinning star representing Hoshitumugi, and the stake marking life choices—representing Tuzuri Ōkami guiding your path with stars.

Rice Ear: Rice has long symbolized Inari. The ear reaches from earth to sky, symbolizing infinite growth and progress.
Spinning Star: The intersecting lines in the star represent Tuzuri Ōkami's weaving of connections, shining as bonds.
Life Stake: The stake marks life choices and crossroads. It connects your chosen path to the stars, keeping it firm and bright.