Yutoku Inari Jinja (Yutoku Inari Shrine)
ゆうとくいなりじんじゃ
The vermilion-painted Kiyomizu-zukuri style stage built against the mountainside is breathtaking. It is recognized as one of the three major Inari shrines in Japan.
Overview
The shrine enshrines five deities, centered around Kura-inadama-no-Okami, Omiya-uri-no-Okami, and Sarutahiko-no-Okami. Its origins date back to 1687 CE (Jōkyō 4), when Manko-hime, the second wife of the first lord of the Kashima Domain, invited a split spirit from Fushimi Inari Taisha (Fushimi Inari Grand Shrine). It is one of the "Three Major Inari Shrines of Japan," alongside Fushimi Inari Taisha and Kasama Inari Jinja, and is one of the most prominent shrines in Kyushu, attracting approximately 3 million worshipers annually. The main hall (honden), built in the Kiyomizu-zukuri style with vermilion paint and total lacquer coating atop 117 stone steps, is magnificent, as is the majestic tower gate (romon) crafted by the same artisans who restored Nikko Toshogu.
Enshrined deity / legend
Kura-inadama-no-Okami, Omiya-uri-no-Okami, and Sarutahiko-no-Okami
Highlights
- ・The vermilion-painted main hall (honden) in Kiyomizu-zukuri style atop 117 stone steps
- ・The tower gate (romon) crafted by the artisans of Nikko Toshogu
- ・Iwasaki-sha and the Okuno-in (inner sanctuary)
- ・One of the Three Major Inari Shrines of Japan
Details may change. Please check official sources before visiting.