Yutoku Inari Shrine

This shrine is one of Japan’s great Inari shrines along with Fushimi Inari Taisha in Kyoto and Kasama Inari Shrine in Ibaraki. In 1687, Hizen Kajima Domain's lord, Nabeshima Naotomo, was marrying Kazanin Manko-hime from Kyoto, when she requested the deity, Inari Okami, who the imperial court offered prayers to, to be imparted and this shrine was built.

Inari Okami is worshipped as a god of clothes, food and house, business, prosperity and relationships. Locals call it “Yutoku san.”

The main hall stands against Mt. Iwakabe with the tower gate and ritual hall at the bottom of the mountain. All main buildings are made of plaster and their beauty is raved as Chinzei’s Nikko. From the tower gate, go up the stone stairs to the rear hall and enjoy the panoramic view to the ocean.

The shrine grounds have Japanese gardens loaded with seasonal flowers and a museum with artifacts of the shrine. Many events are held such as the Kashima Traditional Arts Festival in September and the Bonfire on December 8. When you come to worship, stop by at Monzen shopping street on the shrine approach and get the local specialty Inari Yokan (sweet bean snack).