The Charms of Yutoku Inari Shrine in Saga: Nature, Stunning Views and Illuminations

• Table of Contents
• What to see in Kashima City, Saga: Yutoku Inari Shrine 
• What are the Charms of Yutoku Inari Shrine?
• Night Time Only: Illumination and a Magical Fox's Wedding Night Walk
• Why Popular from Travelers from Overseas? 
• How to Access the Shrine from JR Hakata Station
• Enjoy Yutoku Inari Shrine at its Fullest 

What to see in Kashima City, Saga: Yutoku Inari Shrine 

Yutoku Inari Shrine in Kashima City, Saga, is one of Japan’s "Three Great Inari Shrines," alongside Fushimi Inari in Kyoto and Kasama Inari in Ibaraki. Attracting around 3 million visitors annually, its vermilion-lacquered buildings on the mountainside offer a stunning view. Often called the “Nikko Toshogu of the West”, the shrine is renowned for its beauty.

Founded in 1687 during the early Edo period by Manshihime, wife of Lord Nabeshima Naotomo, Yutoku Inari Shrine enshrines a branch of the deity from Kyoto’s Fushimi Inari Shrine. Supported by the Nabeshima family of the Kashima domain, the shrine remains closely tied to their lineage, with a descendant still serving as chief priest. It is deeply connected to the history of Kashima.

The enshrined gods and their blessings

The following gods are enshrined at Yutoku Inari Shrine.

Ukanomitama no Okami is the central deity of Inari faith, overseeing bountiful harvests and prosperous business, with foxes as his messengers. Omiyanome no Okami governs performing arts and festivals, worshipped by those seeking to improve skills in Bugaku and other arts. Sarutahiko no Okami is the god of guidance, protecting new beginnings and ensuring safe travels.

These deities are believed to grant blessings such as business prosperity, household safety, matchmaking, artistic skill, and traffic safety, attracting worshippers from both the local area and across Japan.

What are the Charms of Yutoku Inari Shrine?

1. Magnificent Architecutre

The main hall, built like a stage jutting out from the mountain slope, is in the same architectural style as Kiyomizu-dera Temple in Kyoto. You can enjoy the magnificent view of the cityscape of Kashima and the Ariake Sea below.

2. Nature and Seasons 

Cherry blossoms in spring, azaleas in early summer, autumn leaves, and camellias in winter. The contrast between the vermilion shrine building and the natural scenery shows the different faces of the seasons.

3. Gourmet Along the Street to the Shrine 

The approach to the shrine is lined with restaurants serving Saga beef and carp dishes, as well as souvenir shops with a fox motif. Inari yokan and other local sweets are perfect as mementos of your trip.

4. The Fox Motif 

There are fox statues scattered throughout the grounds. Foxes are messengers of the Inari god and are symbols of fertility and marriage. It's also a popular photo spot.

Night Time Only: Illumination and a Magical Fox's Wedding Night Walk

Visiting Yutoku Inari Shrine during the day is wonderful, but at night it's like a different world. During the illumination event held from autumn to winter, the approach to the shrine and the grounds are fantastically lit up, and the vermilion-painted shrine building and the light of the lanterns stand out against the dark night.

Another attraction worth checking out is the Fox Wedding Night Tour. The Fox Wedding, which appears in Japanese folklore, is a mysterious tale in which a fox disguises itself as a human to perform a wedding ceremony. Foxes, messengers of the Inari god, have long been considered symbols of fertility and marriage.

On this tour, participants wear fox masks and join the procession, walking along the approach to the shrine at night surrounded by the light of lanterns and the sounds of gagaku music. It's an experience that makes you feel like you're a character from a myth.

Fox Gozen: A special evening meal

Before the tour, you can enjoy a specially prepared "Fox Gozen" dinner in the temple town. *Lunch is available on some tours. The cuisine, which incorporates flavors unique to Kashima, such as Saga beef, carp sashimi, and local seasonal vegetables, is like a culinary expression of the fox's tale. It will add a touch of elegance to your evening journey.

Find out more about this experience

Why Popular from Travelers from Overseas? 

Yutoku Inari Shrine has become increasingly well-known among overseas fans, having been used as a filming location for Taiwanese dramas and Thai movies . The nighttime illuminations are particularly magical, and have been a hot topic on social media, with people saying it feels like "another world." From autumn to winter, there is a special performance that recreates the " Fox Wedding Procession , " allowing you to experience the world of mythology.

How to Access the Shrine from JR Hakata Station

JR Hakata Station → Hizen-Kashima Station (approximately 1.5 hours by express train) Hizen-Kashima Station → Yutoku Inari Shrine (approximately 10 minutes by bus) Approximately 1 hour by car from Nagasaki Airport or Saga Airport

Enjoy Yutoku Inari Shrine at its Fullest 

Yutoku Inari Shrine is a special shrine that looks completely different during the day and at night.

During the day, you can enjoy the faith and architectural beauty of Yutoku Inari, and at night, the light, sound, and stories will allow you to experience Yutoku Inari in a deeper and more memorable way . After learning about the history, faith, and natural beauty, experiencing the illuminations and the "Fox Wedding" will make your trip even more dramatic.

If you visit Kashima City, be sure to stay until the evening and experience this magical time . Here, you will find yourself becoming the protagonist of a story.