What you should know: Yutoku Inari Shrine, located in Kashima City, Saga Prefecture, is one of Japan’s most visually stunning shrines. It was dedicated to Inari, the deity of rice, fertility, and prosperity. The shrine is known for its gorgeous architecture and special atmosphere. When you see it, you will know what we mean!
If you are planning a visit, and you really should, it helps to know its history and some really useful tips, especially for photographing.
The shrine’s bold. Like, colors pop and the whole place has this energy, even when it’s quiet.
First up’s this massive gate. Big wooden thing with carvings, just towering over you. Then you’ve got the main hall way up high. It’s painted red-orange and sits on these stilts built into the hillside. You can hike up (lots of steps!), or ‘cheat’ a little and take the elevator.
There’s a torii gate tunnel too, sorta like the Kyoto one, but shorter. Still awesome for pics.
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When Is the Best Time
It’s an amazing year-round destination. The shrine is open 24h and never closed. (the shrine office opens 8:30 AM until 4:30 PM). Avoid weekends or try to be there early in the morning: This way, you can enjoy this beautiful place without other tourists. My photos were shot before 6 AM. You should also consider visiting after dusk: The shrine is lit up at night! This offers a very different and beautiful view. However, it’s one of the lesser-visited shrines in Kyoto and not heavily crowded except for new years celebration (see below).
The shrine is popular in Japan and is mostly visited by domestic tourists. Since 2014 it’s also a well-known place for visitors from Thailand since the Thai movie (Timeline) was shot there. Since the shrine is popular for new year celebrations, it’s heavily crowded during the first two weeks of January.
Flowers
The outer garden of the shrine is part of Higashiyama Park: It’s very famous for it’s azalea flowers. There are about 50,000 bushes of blooming azalea in April and May, creating a magnificent view. Since azalea flowers are blooming only 4 weeks, the highest chance to experience this view is from mid-April until mid-May.
Tips
It’s one of Japan’s three major Inari Shrines. Yutoku Inari Shrine is located in the city of Kashima, Saga Prefecture. It was build in 1687 to enshrine a spirit from the Inari-jinja located within the Kyoto Palace. It is worshiped as the guardian of living such as food, housing and clothing as well as business and family prosperity.
The contrast of the vivid vermilion colors of the buildings and the surrounding greenery is very impressive. The main architecture, including the main shrine, front shrine as well as the two-storied gate is completely coated in lacquer.
FESTIVALS:
Spring festival Tamagae: April 8
Autumn festival Ohitaki: December 8
GETTING THERE: http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e8… (scroll down)
> Since the shrine is a little out of the way, it’s best visited by rental car. There are 2500 free parking spaces.
OPENING HOURS / FEES:
Shrine: Free, open 24h (office 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM)
Shrine Garden: 200 yen, 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Shrine Museum: 300 yen, 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
created by Akira Nishiyama and updated by WHEN to TRAVEL