One of “Japan’s Three Great Inari Shrines” alongside Fushimi Inari Taisha and Kasama Inari Shrine, Yutoku Inari Shrine is a magnificent sanctuary nestled in the mountains of Kashima City, Saga Prefecture. Approximately 3 million worshippers visit annually, making it second only to Dazaifu Tenmangu in Kyushu for visitor numbers. The vermillion-lacquered tower gate and main hall are so beautiful they are called “Chinzei Nikko” (the Nikko of Western Japan).
The shrine was founded in 1687 (Jokyo 4) when Mankohime, wife of Kashima Domain lord Nabeshima Naotomo, invited a divided spirit of the Inari deity from the imperial palace’s prayer hall. Known for blessings of business prosperity, family fortune, and traffic safety, the shrine is affectionately called “Yutoku-san” by locals.
With spectacular views of the Ariake Sea from the stage-construction main hall reminiscent of Kyoto’s Kiyomizu-dera, grounds colored by seasonal flowers, and mystical air along the path to the inner shrine—won’t you refresh body and spirit at one of Kyushu’s premier power spots?
Spiritual Benefits and Effects
Business Prosperity: The quintessential blessing of Inari shrines. Entrepreneurs, business owners, and shopkeepers visit continuously.
Abundant Harvests and Industry Prosperity: Ukanomitama-no-Okami is the deity of rice. They are said to govern the development of not just agriculture but all industries.
Family Fortune: As a shrine founded by Mankohime wishing for the Nabeshima family’s prosperity, many also pray for household happiness.
Traffic Safety: Sarutahiko-no-Okami is the deity of road guidance. Worshippers come to pray for travel and commuting safety.
Matchmaking: Omiyame-no-Okami is also known as a matchmaking deity, drawing many who seek good relationships.
Yutoku Inari Shrine is a place filled with energies of “ascent” and “development.” The shrine buildings constructed along the mountainside seem to stretch toward heaven. This location is said to generate power that supports business growth and life breakthroughs.
Many worshippers report feeling “achievement” and “refreshment” upon completing the climb to the inner shrine. The act of climbing the stone steps one by one is considered symbolic of striving toward goals and is said to grant the power to fulfill wishes.
“I visited before starting my own business. When I finished climbing to the inner shrine, a mysterious conviction arose that ‘I can succeed at this.’ Three years since opening, my business has been growing steadily, thankfully.” (Man in his 40s, Fukuoka)
“I visited when struggling with job hunting. The vastness of the Ariake Sea viewed from the main hall made me painfully aware of my narrow perspective. After changing my thinking, I received an offer from my desired company.” (Woman in her 20s, Nagasaki)
Visitor Reviews and Experiences
“Really Felt Business Prosperity Blessings” (Man in his 50s, Kumamoto)
“I run a restaurant. I come every year for New Year worship, and years when I visit, sales mysteriously increase. Climbing to the inner shrine is hard work, but I feel I receive more blessings for it.”
“Azalea Season is the Best” (Woman in her 40s, Fukuoka)
“I went to see the azaleas during Golden Week. The sight of the entire mountain dyed pink was spectacular. The view from the main hall was also wonderful—I couldn’t stop taking photos. It was crowded, but going early morning is relatively uncrowded.”
“The Temple Town Atmosphere is Fun Too” (Couple in their 30s, Saga)
“Not just the shrine, but the food walking in the temple town was enjoyable too. We bought Inari Yokan, ate Ariake Sea Goma Saba, and had a completely satisfying day.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need to go to the inner shrine?
A: The main hall alone provides sufficient worship. However, the view from the inner shrine is exceptional, so if you’re confident in your stamina, please try. It’s approximately 300 stone steps, about 40 minutes round trip.
Q: Is parking free?
A: Yes, approximately 3,000 spaces are free. However, New Year and Golden Week are crowded, so early morning arrival is recommended.
Q: Are goshuin books sold?
A: Yes, original goshuin books (¥2,000) can be purchased at the amulet office.
Q: Is wheelchair access available?
A: An elevator to the main hall is available (¥300 fee). The inner shrine is difficult due to stone steps.
Q: Are pets allowed?
A: Worship while holding or in carriers is permitted. Walking on leash only through the grounds is not allowed.
Summary
Yutoku Inari Shrine, one of Japan’s Three Great Inari Shrines, is a business prosperity power spot boasting the highest visitor numbers in Kyushu. With magnificent vermillion shrine buildings called “Chinzei Nikko,” spectacular views of the Ariake Sea from the main hall, and the mystical path to the inner shrine, attractions are endless.
This shrine, born from Mankohime’s deep faith, has continued fulfilling people’s wishes for over 300 years. Three million visitors annually come seeking various blessings including business prosperity, family fortune, and matchmaking.
With spring azaleas, autumn foliage, and temple town cuisine, there’s much to enjoy beyond shrine worship. When visiting Saga or Nagasaki, please make time to visit.
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*Information in this article is current as of December 2025. Please verify the latest details via the official website before visiting.*
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