Namiyoke Inari Shrine stands on the water’s edge close to the Tsukiji Fish Market, in the Chūō district of Tokyo. The shrine and market sit upon land reclaimed from the sea after much of the city was destroyed during the Great Fire of Meireki in 1657. Locals attempted to rebuild after the fire, but the river’s destructive waves hindered their efforts. The struggle had continued for two years when, according to legend, a glowing sacred object was seen floating on the water’s surface. A shrine was built to house the…
