Yutoku Inari Shrine is where your dreams of Japan become real. Heres the shrine, garden, and summit — what others left out.

Yutoku Inari Shrine (or Yutoku Inari Jinja) is one of the most beautiful of the Inari shrines, with all the torii tunnels you could want and a complete lack of all the tourist mobs getting in your way.
Yutoku Inari Shrine is widely regarded as one of the Top 3 Inari Shrines in the country. And you can easily see why here. This was taken at one of the best times of year to visit — with the hydrangea and irises exploding in color in front of you.
Yutoku Inari was established in 1687, and one of its most striking characteristics is its main shrine on a massive wooden scaffolding 18m (59 ft) above the ground.

Yūtoku Inari Shrine is most easily reached by car (free parking), or by taxi from Hizen-Kashima or Hizen-Hama Station on the Nagasaki main line. But a cheaper way is by bus from Hizen-Kashima Stn (Bus platform #3). Yūtoku Inari can also make an excellent side trip while going to see Nagasaki City. For those who need it, there is also elevator to take you up to the main shrine from the bottom.
The way up goes from the main shrine to the top Okunoin, which gives a magnificent view over the area, and is a quiet, peaceful place to relax. That said, the rocky and craggy stairs going up can be very strenuous. But while shooting this and feeling like my heart was about to burst, along came a young Japanese lady who just glided past me in high heels.

The official shrine website is at www.yutokusan.jp
Admission is free; the garden is 200 yen.

Two other big Inari Shrines you should not miss are the Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto (the grand-daddy of them all):
youtu.be/EandKTAwfOM
and for another beautiful experience without the tourist hordes, see Taikodani Inari Shrine in Tsuwano, Shimane:
youtu.be/EVe3XDTDMUU

For more great sights in Kyushu, please watch the Kyushu Playlist:
goo.gl/Q843Bg

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