Ōji Inari Jinja (王子稲荷神社) & Oishi-sama (御石様)

Oji Inari Jinja (王子稲荷神社) is an Inari Shrine located in the Kishimachi District of Kita-ku, Tokyo.  It enshrines the kami Ukanomitama-no-Kami (宇迦之御魂神), Ukemochi-no-Kami (宇気母智之神), and Wakumusubi-no-Kami (和久産巣日神).

Oji Inari Jinja (王子稲荷神社)

The shrine was originally founded as Kishi Inari (岸稲荷) around a thousand years ago.  In 1332, the Toshima clan, who ruled the area, established the nearby Oji Jinja (王子神社).  Following this, the area was renamed Oji and Kishi Inari became Oji Inari Jinja.

Oishi-sama (御石様) or Gankake-ishi (願掛け石)

The shrine is known for a stone called Oishi-sama (御石様), also called Gankake-ishi (願掛け石).  Visitors lift the stone while making a wish, and its weight is said to reflect how close they are to achieving their goal—feeling lighter if the wish is near and heavier if it is far.

Kitsune no Ana (狐の穴)

Above Oishi-sama is a site called Kitsune no Ana (狐の穴), which literally translates to "fox's hole."  It is said to have been a fox's dwelling and is mentioned in the rakugo story "Oji no Kitsune" (The Foxes of Oji).

Hongu (本宮)

Ureshinomori Inari Jinja (嬉野森稲荷神社), Kameyama Inari Jinja (亀山稲荷神社) and Kitamura Inari Jinja (北村稲荷神社)

Several subordinate shrines surround Oji Inari Jinja, including Hongu (本宮), Ureshinomori Inari Jinja (嬉野森稲荷神社), Kameyama Inari Jinja (亀山稲荷神社), Kitamura Inari Jinja (北村稲荷神社), and Ichikishima Jinja (市杵島神社), located near the first torii.

Ichikishima Jinja (市杵島神社)