Home
Back

Yuutoku Inari Jinja - The Kiyomizu of Kyuushuu

Travel Reports by TheTripod view profile of TheTripod

 
list all posts
 next post

Note: The opinions and views expressed in this user report are those of the individual author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and views of japan-guide.com.

July 1, 2014 - Yuutoku Inari Jinja - The Kiyomizu of Kyuushuu

The main hall viewed from below, suspiciously familiar

A bit off the beaten path down in the south of Saga Precture lies Yuutoku Inari, an impressive shrine that has definitely earned its title as the third largest shrine to Inari in Japan, though remains rather unknown owing to its remoteness. Built on a fairly grand scale, if not for the time needed to get there it would most definitely be a major tourist attraction. Most easily accessible from Hizenhama Station on the JR Nagasaki Main Line, visitors will then need to walk about three kilometres south to the shrine or taxi, (buses are also apparently available though infrequent).

Giant roadside lanterns mark the beginning of the approach to the shrine
Getting closer, a large torii and a nice shopping street welcome visitors

One of the highlights of the shrine is doubtlessly its impressive main hall, partially built on a raised platform above the shrine grounds below in a style rather reminiscent of Kyoto's Kiyomizudera save its bright red paint job.

The entrance to the shrine and its main hall in the back
The main hall, flanked by its two staircases on each side
Once visitors climb the stairs up to the main hall, they're greeted with some beautiful artwork decorating the building.

To the right of the main hall lies the beginning of a forested torii-lined path to the upper shrine, which can be reached after a short fifteen or so minute hike. While nowhere near the scale of somewhere like Fushimi Inari in Kyoto, it is nevertheless a great experience.

A section of the torii path to the upper shrine
Minor shrines along the path

Finally, after the short hike visitors are greeted by the small upper shrine, and a scenic view onto the town below.

The upper shrine
And the view from the top

All in all, Yuutoku Inari is a beautiful hidden gem, and if you find yourself around Saga with some time it's most definitely worth a look.

 
list all posts
 next post

List of Posts:
2014/07/24 - 2014 Uwajima Ushioni Matsuri/Warei Taisai
2014/07/13 - 2014 Miyajima Kangen-sai
2014/07/01 - Yuutoku Inari Jinja - The Kiyomizu of Kyuushuu