Hyotanyama Inari Shrine is one of the three major Inari shrines in Japan. The main hall is situated atop a double-circular burial mound known as Hyotanyama Kofun.

To the left of the main hall is an area called “Otsuka,” while the right side is referred to as “Onizuka.” It’s said that a fox, which is a messenger of the gods, once inhabited the stone chamber at Otsuka.

According to legend, Toyotomi Hideyoshi founded the shrine when he constructed Osaka Castle. He chose this location because the gourd-shaped mountain points in an auspicious direction, and aligned with his battle insignia. Additionally, he enshrined the gourd god “Fukube Inari” along with a golden gourd.