Yutoku Inari Shrine: One of Japan's Three Great Inari Shrines, Saga's Vermilion Sacred Grounds

Yutoku Inari Shrine: A Major Kyushu Shrine Enshrining the God of Food, Clothing, and Shelter

Yutoku Inari Shrine in Kashima City, Saga Prefecture, enshrines Uka no Mitama no Kami (God of Food, Clothing, and Shelter) as its principal deity. Founded in 1687 by the wife of Nabeshima Naoatomo, lord of Hizen Kashima domain, it is Saga's largest tourist attraction visited by approximately 3 million people annually.

Vermilion Shrine Buildings and Approach

The grounds feature a unique landscape with vermilion-painted gate towers, outer halls, and main halls lined up on the steep mountain slope. The shrine buildings are built jutting out from the cliff face, and the sight towering on a rock mountain approximately 170 meters in elevation is overwhelming. The entire structure has beauty likened to a "small Kyoto."

Inner Shrine and Observation Deck

Climbing the stone steps to the "Oku-no-in (inner shrine)" above the main hall reveals spectacular views of Ariake Sea and Mt. Unzen Fugaku. The view on clear days particularly is wonderful, making you forget the fatigue of the climb.

Seasonal Highlights

Spring cherry blossoms, summer greenery, autumn foliage, and winter bamboo groves create beautiful scenery harmonizing with the shrine buildings throughout the four seasons. Spring cherry blossoms are particularly famous, attracting many flower-viewing visitors.

Access

Approximately 10 minutes by bus from JR Nagasaki Main Line "Hizen Kashima Station." Or approximately 45 minutes by car from central Saga.