Have you heard of “Inari, Konkon, Koi Iroha,” a romance set in Kyoto that unfolds as a Japanese-style fantasy?
The story follows the romance that develops between Fushimi Inari, a middle school girl, and Uka-no-Mitama-no-Kami, the goddess who lives in the shrine.
The powers bestowed upon Inari by Ugajin depict various aspects of youth, even as they bring about trouble.
So, what kinds of places are there to visit on a pilgrimage to the Kyoto locations featured in *Inari, Konkon, Koi Iroha.*?
Let me introduce them to you.
■ What is the plot of *Inari, Konkon, Koi Iroha.*?
The anime series *Inari, Konkon, Koi Iroha*, which aired in 2014, is based on a manga by Morohé Yoshida.
This story depicts the friendship and romantic entanglements between Fushimi Inari, a middle school girl, and Ukanomitama-no-kami, the goddess who resides at Inari Shrine.
First, let’s take a look at the synopsis of “Inari, Konkon, Koi Iroha.”
Synopsis released from the official website
A story of love and friendship that brings color to the lives of middle school students living in Fushimi Inari, Kyoto.
A “Kyoto-style” love story between a girl and a god.
Fushimi Inari, a middle school girl living in Fushimi, Kyoto, is a slightly shy girl who has a crush on her classmate, Tanbabashi. One day, as a token of gratitude from a young fox she had rescued—known as “Oinari-san,” or the deity Uka-no-Mitama-no-Kami—she is mistakenly granted the ability to transform…!?
A story set in Kyoto, where Inari—who wants to gain the ability to transform—embarks on a tumultuous romantic journey! This work captures the essence of youth, touching your heart with the sincere and earnest journey of a young girl who grows while grappling with love and friendship!
■ A Pilgrimage to the Sacred Sites of *Inari, Konkon, Koi Iroha* in Kyoto: Part 1. “Fushimi Inari Taisha”
Outline
First up, Fushimi Inari Taisha appears in the opening sequence of *Inari, Konkon, Koi Iroha.*
This approach to the shrine appears in the opening sequence.
And it was at Fushimi Inari Shrine that Inari and Ugajin first met.
○Detailed explanation of "Fushimi Inari Taisha".
Fushimi Inari Taisha, affectionately known as “Oinari-san,” is located in Fukakusa, Fushimi Ward, Kyoto City, and serves as the head shrine for the approximately 30,000 Inari shrines throughout Japan.
This place has a history of more than 1,300 years; it was founded in 708 and opened in 711 AD.
The Kinki region attracts the largest number of visitors for the first shrine visit of the year.
Address
68 Yabunouchi-cho, Fukakusa, Fushimi-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
Phone number
075-641-7331
How to access
About 5 minutes walk from Keihan Electric Railway "Keihan Main Line Fushimi Inari Station".
○Official homepage
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https://kyotreat.jp/post-2893/
■ "Inari, Konkon, Koi Iroha": Kyoto Pilgrimage to the Series' Holy Sites, Part 2: "Lawson Fushimi Inari Station Store"
Outline
The Lawson store in front of Fushimi Inari Station appears in Episode 1 of “Inari, Konkon, Koi Iroha.”
Here, the area in front of Lawson appears as the place where Inari, disguised as Sumizome, ended up after escaping the guy who was trying to pick her up.
This is where I first met Tanbabashi, wasn't it?
Although it's closed now, it might be worth visiting the site where it used to be.
○ A Detailed Look at the “Lawson Fushimi Inari Station Front Store”
This is a Lawson that was located in Fushimi Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture.
Address
38-12 Fukakusa Ichinotsubo-cho, Fushimi Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
How to access
About a 1-minute walk from "Fushimi Inari Station"
■ Inari, Konkon, Koi Iroha: Kyoto Pilgrimage to Sacred Sites, Part 3: “Inari Restaurant”
Outline
"Inari Restaurant," which appears in Episode 1.
This is the place where Inari wanted to transform into Kurozome, and where Kouji visited.
At Inari, a restaurant located right near Keihan Fushimi-Inari Station, they actually sell tempura and udon.
It might be a good idea to stop by for a bite to eat while you're out visiting the sacred sites.
○ A Detailed Overview of “Inari Restaurant”
"Inari," a restaurant known for its udon and soba.
It is characterized by its traditional, relaxed atmosphere.
They also offer set meals and rice bowls, so you might find yourself having a hard time deciding what to order.
Address
27 Fukakusa Ichinotsubo-cho, Fushimi Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
Phone number
075-641-7585
How to access
About a 1-minute walk from "Fushimi Inari Station"
■ Inari, Konkon, Koi Iroha: Kyoto Pilgrimage to Sacred Sites, Part 4: “Keihan Fushimi-Inari Station”
Outline
In *Inari, Konkon, Koi Iroha.*, Keihan Fushimi-Inari Station appears in the opening sequence and other scenes.
In the anime itself, the character for “Inari” is written as “Ina-ri,” but since the setting matches, this seems to be the correct one.
Also, in the anime, the names of Keihan Railway stations served as the inspiration for the characters’ names, so be sure to keep an eye out for them.
○ Detailed Explanation of “Keihan Fushimi-Inari Station”
"Keihan Fushimi-Inari Station," which opened in 1910.
This is a station on the Keihan Main Line of the Keihan Electric Railway, located in Fukakusa Ichitsubo-cho, Fushimi Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture.
The station is modeled after Fushimi Inari Taisha, and one of its distinctive features is that the platform railings and other elements are painted vermilion.
Fushimi Inari Taisha is also within walking distance, and there are many souvenir shops along the way, so we recommend stopping by one while you’re visiting the shrine.
Address
Ichinotsubo-cho, Fukakusa, Fushimi Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
Phone number
06-6945-4560
How to access
Directly connected to Keihan's "Fushimi Inari Station"
○Official homepage
https://www.keihan.co.jp/traffic/station/stationinfo/151.html
■ "Inari, Konkon, Koi Iroha": A Pilgrimage to the Sacred Sites of Kyoto, Part 5: "Kyoto Subway Keage Station"
Outline
In *Inari, Konkon, Koi Iroha*, the area around Fushimi Inari Taisha is frequently featured as a sacred site, but Keage Subway Station, located a short distance away, also makes an appearance.
It doesn't seem to have anything to do with the original story itself, but this is the station where Inari and Mr. Sumizome got off in Episode 2.
You can see subway signs and things like that, too.
That scene looks just like the anime, so please take a look.
○ Detailed Explanation of “Kyoto Subway Keage Station”
Kyoto Subway's Keage Station, located in Higashi-Komonza-cho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture.
This is a station on the Kyoto Municipal Subway Tozai Line, which opened in 1997.
Address
Higashi-Komonza-cho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
Phone number
075-752-6062
How to access
Directly connected to the Kyoto Subway's "Keage Station"
○Official homepage
https://www2.city.kyoto.lg.jp/kotsu/tikadia/hyperdia/menu0131.htm
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■ Inari, Konkon, Koi Iroha: Kyoto Pilgrimage to Sacred Sites, Part 6: “Kyoto Municipal Fujimori Junior High School”
Outline
The school that served as the model for the junior high school Inari and her friends attend is "Kyoto Municipal Fujimori Junior High School."
It is located two stations away from Fushimi Inari Taisha and is famous as a "holy site" because it appears in Episode 2 of the anime, among other episodes.
Since students usually pass through here, please just take a quick look as you walk by.
○ A Detailed Overview of “Kyoto Municipal Fujimori Junior High School”
"Kyoto Municipal Fujimori Junior High School," which upholds the educational goals of "Independence, Respect, and Challenge."
It is located in Fushimi Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture, and its alumni include Kei Yoshida of Black Mayonnaise, as well as singers misono and Kumi Koda.
Address
55 Fukakusa Ikenouchi-cho, Fushimi Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
Phone number
075-641-5227
How to access
About a 5-minute walk from "Fujimori Station"
○Official homepage
https://cms.edu.city.kyoto.jp/weblog/index.php?id=206303
■ "Inari, Konkon, Koi Iroha": A Pilgrimage to the Sacred Sites of Kyoto, Part 7: "Nurikobe Jizo"
Outline
Located south of Fushimi Inari Taisha is the “Nurikobe Jizō.”
This location appears in a single shot at the beginning of the film and is shown as the route Inari and her friends take to school.
○ A Detailed Explanation of the “Nurikobe Jizō”
The "Nurikobe Jizō" is a Jizō statue located in a residential neighborhood right next to Fushimi Inari Taisha in Fushimi Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture.
This Jizō statue is easily recognizable by the staff in its right hand and the jewel in its left; standing 1 meter tall, it is a very striking figure.
This Jizō statue is said to be effective against toothaches, and people visit it or send postcards praying for relief from toothaches.
Address
26 Fukakusa Yabunouchi-cho, Fushimi Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
How to access
About a 5-minute walk from Inari Station on the JR Nara Line
○Official homepage
https://ja.kyoto.travel/tourism/single01.php?category_id=8&tourism_id=894
■ "Inari, Konkon, Koi Iroha": A Pilgrimage to the Sacred Sites of Kyoto, Part 8: "Nejiri Manpo"
Outline
As you walk from Keage Station toward Nanzen-ji Temple, you’ll see the “Neji-ri Manpo.”
This place is located down Sanjo Street and appears in Episode 2 of *Inari, Konkon, Koi Iroha*.
This place is famous as a sacred site visited by both Sumizome and Inari.
○ A Detailed Explanation of “Neji-ri Manpo”
"Manpo" means "tunnel" and is known as a tunnel in Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture.
This is a pedestrian tunnel that leads down the Keage Incline toward Nanzen-ji Temple, so many tourists pass through it.
The bricks are stacked in a spiral pattern, creating a structure strong enough to support the weight of the carts that once carried ships.
Address
Higashi-Komonza-cho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
How to access
About a 5-minute walk from Keage Station on the Kyoto City Tozai Line
■ Summary
How was it?
In this post, I’ve compiled a list of pilgrimage spots in Kyoto featured in *Inari, Konkon, Koi Iroha.*
The music, the atmosphere of Kyoto, and the Kyoto dialect in the anime are all so charming, aren't they?
Oinari-san is said to bring blessings such as household safety and business prosperity, so be sure to go on a pilgrimage around Fushimi Inari Station.
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