Yutoku Inari Shrine

Yutoku Inari Shrine, located in Kashima City, Saga Prefecture, Japan, is one of the country’s most renowned Inari shrines. It is dedicated to Inari, the Shinto deity of rice, fertility, prosperity, and foxes. The shrine is particularly famous for its picturesque setting nestled in the mountainside and its long, stone staircase adorned with vermilion torii gates.

Yutoku Inari Shrine was founded in the late 17th century by the wife of the local feudal lord, who was inspired by the Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto. Similar to Kiyomizudera temple, also in Kyoto, the shrine’s main hall stands on an 18-meter platform overlooking the valley, supported by a lattice of wooden beams. 

The shrine was constructed in its current location to enshrine the deity Inari and to protect the region’s residents. Inari shrines are associated with foxes, which are believed to be the messengers of the Kami, Inari. You’ll often find fox statues (kitsune) around the shrine grounds. In addition to their role as messengers, foxes are also seen as guardians of the rice fields and symbols of fertility and prosperity.

Behind the shrines main hall is a small walking path which takes you to other smaller shrines, as well as views overlooking the city of Kashima city. Visitors to the shrine can also pay to enter the shrine museum, or a small garden located nearby.

Yutoku Inari Shrine hosts several festivals and events throughout the year. One of the most popular events is the Yutoku Inari Shrine Grand Festival, held annually in November. This festival features traditional performances, parades, food stalls, and other cultural activities.