If you’ve ever visited an Inari shrine in Japan, you’ll know they’re the go-to place to pray for prosperity in business and career success. One of the most iconic features of these shrines is the fox—or “kitsune”—believed to be the divine messenger of Inari, the Shinto deity of agriculture and commerce. But on New Year’s Eve in Tokyo, this mystical association comes alive in an extraordinary way: the Fox Parade at Oji Inari Shrine.
What Is the Legend Behind Tokyo’s Fox Parade at Oji Inari Shrine?
According to ancient folklore, every year on Ōmisoka (New Year’s Eve), foxes from all directions would gather under a giant tree near Oji Inari Shrine to pay homage to the deity. This magical scene inspired ukiyo-e master Hiroshige to capture it in his renowned woodblock print, “New Year’s Eve Foxfires at the Changing Tree, Ōji.”
To honor this legend, the shrine revived the tradition in 1993, transforming it into an annual New Year’s Eve event. Locals and visitors alike don fox makeup and traditional attire, joining the midnight parade as living embodiments of the fox spirits. It’s a mystical, community-driven celebration that weaves folklore, ritual, and modern urban charm into one unforgettable Tokyo night.
What’s the Route and What Are the Highlights of the Fox Parade?
Printed parade information is available on-site in both Japanese and English, and full details can also be found on the official website.
The Starting Point and Destination of the Fox Parade
On New Year’s Eve in Tokyo, the Fox Parade begins at Shozoku Inari Shrine, a smaller shrine located closer to the train station, and makes its way along the main street before finally arriving at Oji Inari Shrine. Although Shozoku Inari Shrine is modest in size, the crowd was already overwhelming when we arrived. If you’re hoping to pray there, be prepared to wait in line for over an hour.
At Shozoku Inari Shrine, a giant bonfire known as the “Ōkagari-bi” is lit at 9:00 p.m., bringing warmth to the chilly winter night. Later, around 10:30 p.m., the traditional “Kagami-wari” sake barrel ceremony takes place.
This ritual is a long-standing Japanese tradition performed during New Year celebrations or other festive occasions. A wooden mallet is used to break open the lid of a sake barrel, revealing the clear, mirror-like sake inside. Guests then scoop out the fragrant sake and share it together, symbolizing harmony, happiness, and good fortune for the coming year. For this reason, the ceremony is also called “opening the mirror”—or kagami-wari.
Street Food, Masks & Festival Vibes
Along the parade route, vendors line the streets with colorful stalls selling fox masks, traditional snacks, and warm cups of amazake (a sweet fermented rice drink). It’s a feast for both the senses and the spirit, making the event even more immersive for first-time visitors.
Discovering the Heritage of Oji Inari Shrine
With a history dating back over a thousand years to the Heian period, Oji Inari Shrine is one of the most historically significant Inari shrines in Japan. Though modest in size, its quiet atmosphere and ancient charm are deeply moving.
I had visited this shrine a few times before, including during the annual “Hatsuuma Kite Market” in February—a vibrant event full of handcrafted traditional kites.
During our visit this time, the grounds were bustling. I was surprised to find that even Oji Inari, farther from the starting point, had already drawn a large crowd. The shrine offers adorable zodiac-themed omamori (charms) and miniature ema (prayer plaques), plus charming fox-shaped fortunes—each item a tiny keepsake of tradition.
Oji Inari Shrine itself isn’t very large, but it carries a timeless, rustic charm and a remarkably long history. It is said to have been established during Japan’s Heian period, more than a thousand years ago, and is even regarded as the head shrine of Inari worship.
I had assumed most people would be waiting around Shozoku Inari Shrine, but to my surprise, the crowds here were just as overwhelming.
Inside the shrine grounds, you’ll find delightful omamori (charms), including a series of zodiac-themed charms. There are also miniature ema (wooden prayer plaques) that are irresistibly cute—I couldn’t resist buying one to hang at home.
Another highlight is the fox-shaped omikuji (fortune slips), which make wonderful keepsakes. Nearby, traditional paper kites are also displayed, adding a festive touch.
Since the crowds were so dense and every corner was packed with long lines of people waiting to pray, I only managed to take a few photos before deciding to head back toward Shozoku Inari Shrine to line up for the parade.
For more about Oji Shrine’s traditions, you can check out my other article here:
Lions, Foxes & the Countdown to 2020
As the clock approached midnight, a lion dance performer appeared in the streets, playfully “biting” the heads of children. This ritual, unique to Japanese New Year traditions, is believed to protect children from evil spirits and bring good health for the year to come.
Then, the final countdown to the year 2020 began. Whispered voices filled the chilly Tokyo air as the crowd quietly crossed into the new year. Just moments later, the fox parade emerged from the shadows.
Participants dressed in elaborate fox makeup and traditional garments marched slowly toward the shrine, carrying lanterns and sacred items. A massive fox mask floated above the crowd. Though the event was low-key and respectful—perhaps due to local noise ordinances—the spiritual energy was unmistakable.
Joining the Parade
If you want to be more than a spectator, you can sign up via the official website to join the parade in costume. But be warned: Tokyo winters can be brutally cold, and you’ll need to brave the night in full attire, face paint included. Personally, I’ve always wanted to join, but I’m just too sensitive to the cold—so I settled for being a bundled-up observer this time.
Even so, it was thrilling to watch the mix of locals and international visitors, all dressed as fox spirits and united by the joy of celebration.
A Warm Ending to a Cold Night
By the time the event wrapped up, the temperature had dropped even further. I didn’t manage to make it back into the shrine due to the overwhelming crowds, but just as I was ready to head home, my phone lit up with messages from loved ones in Taiwan, sending their New Year greetings. In that moment, I felt a rush of warmth that had nothing to do with the weather.
The Oji Inari Shrine Fox Parade is more than just a local event—it’s a dreamlike encounter with Japanese mythology, tradition, and community spirit, all under the winter stars of Tokyo.
Wishing you a joyful, healthy, and peaceful New Year.
–
Watch the short video
@.bonbons.wanderlust 東京跨年夜 王子稻荷神社狐狸遊行 (浮世絵 王子 狐の行列) #東京旅遊 #日本東京 #東京跨年 #日本跨年 #跨年 #跨年夜 #跨年活動 #神社 #東京神社 ♬ 原聲 – 蹦蹦漫遊記 Bonbon’s Wanderlust
東京跨年夜 王子稻荷神社狐狸遊行
–
**Note: Event schedules and merchandise may change over time. Please check the official website for the latest information.
Visitor Info – Oji Inari Shrine
| Address | 1-12-26 Kishimachi, Kita-ku, Tokyo |
| Parade Date | December 31st – January 1st (midnight) |
| Access | ・8-minute walk from JR Keihin-Tohoku Line “Oji Station” (North Exit) ・5-minute walk from Tokyo Metro Namboku Line “Oji Station” (Exit 4) |
| Official Website | https://kitsune.tokyo-oji.jp |