Kyoto > Tanaka Jinja (田中神社): The Horse God Shrine Tourists Miss
※Description:
Hidden in southern Kyoto, a corner rarely explored by tourists, Tanaka Jinja (田中神社) is a tiny, unique Shinto shrine dedicated to the god of horses. Nestled near the JRA Kyoto Racecourse (京都競馬場), this secluded gem draws a few local Japanese who pray for luck before betting on horse races “a quiet ritual before the thrill”. Overlooked by visitors flocking to Kyoto’s famous sites, its small, mossy grounds offer a rare glimpse into a niche devotion, making it one of the city’s best-kept secrets.
A Brief History of Tanaka Jinja
Tanaka Jinja (田中神社) has stood for centuries as a guardian of equine spirits in Fushimi Ward. Enshrining a deity tied to horses, it reflects Japan’s ancient reverence for these animals, once vital to warriors and farmers. Its proximity to the JRA Kyoto Racecourse (京都競馬場) has made it a spiritual stop for racegoers seeking divine favor “a tradition blending faith and fortune”. Despite its modest size, the shrine’s charm lies in its unassuming presence amid Kyoto’s bustling south.
Exploring the Shrine and Surroundings
Visiting Tanaka Jinja (田中神社) feels like stumbling upon a hidden treasure. Tucked away in a quiet neighborhood, its small torii gate and simple hall are surrounded by greenery “a whisper of calm in urban Kyoto”. The shrine’s horse-themed ema plaques and subtle equine motifs make it uniquely enchanting. Few tourists venture to southern Kyoto, so you’ll likely share the space with only a handful of locals praying for luck at the nearby JRA Kyoto Racecourse (京都競馬場), just a short walk away. Open year-round, it’s perfect for a quick, offbeat stop while exploring Fushimi’s lesser-known side.
Nearby Attractions
Fushimi Inari Taisha (伏見稲荷大社): Iconic for its thousands of vermillion torii gates winding up a sacred mountain, a must-see in southern Kyoto.
Kiyomizu-dera (清水寺): A UNESCO World Heritage temple with a wooden stage offering panoramic views of Kyoto.
Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion) (銀閣寺): A Zen temple with serene gardens, known for its elegant simplicity.
Taketori Onsen Akari no Yu (竹取温泉 灯りの湯): An Onsen near Kyoto, with the the best bamboo views.
※NTRanking: 8.5 / 10
Tanaka Jinja (田中神社) captivates with its niche devotion to the horse god and its hidden, crowd-free setting in southern Kyoto. Near the JRA Kyoto Racecourse (京都競馬場), it’s a unique stop for those craving authenticity, but its small scale and remote location limit its score for casual visitors.
※How to Get There:
・From Kyoto Station (approximately 20 minutes):
Take the JR Nara Line from Kyoto Station (京都駅) to Toba-kaido Station (鳥羽街道駅), which takes about 10 minutes.
Walk 10 minutes southeast to the shrine.
・From Osaka (approximately 50 minutes):
Take the JR Tokaido Main Line from Osaka Station (大阪駅) to Kyoto Station (京都駅), about 30 minutes.
Transfer to the JR Nara Line to Toba-kaido Station (鳥羽街道駅), 10 minutes.
Walk 10 minutes southeast to the shrine.
・From Fushimi Inari Taisha (approximately 15 minutes):
Walk 5 minutes from Fushimi Inari Taisha (伏見稲荷大社) to Fushimi-Inari Station (伏見稲荷駅).
Take the Keihan Main Line to Toba-kaido Station (鳥羽街道駅), about 5 minutes.
Walk 10 minutes southeast to the shrine.
※Address:
51 Yokooji Tennogo, Fushimi Ward, Kyoto, 612-8291
