Yutoku Inari Shrine

Yutoku Inari Shrine is one of Japan’s Three Great Inari Shrines, alongside Fushimi Inari Taisha (Kyoto) and Kasama Inari Shrine (Ibaraki). It enshrines Ukanomitama-no-Okami, Oomiyanome-no-Okami, and Sarutahiko-no-Okami, and is believed to grant household safety, harmony, and traffic safety. The grounds include the main hall, Kagura hall, and a brilliant vermilion gate, and its ornate, dazzling appearance draws around three million visitors annually. The scenery changes richly with the seasons: spring cherry blossoms, cosmos and vivid yellow rapeseed flowers, bright summer greenery, and famous autumn foliage. By car, it is about 30 minutes from Takeo-Kitakata IC (Nagasaki Expressway). By public transportation, take a bus from Hizen-Kashima Station (JR Nagasaki Main Line) via Kashima Bus Center on a Yutoku Bus bound for “Yutoku Jinja-mae,” and get off there (right by the shrine).