Yutoku Inari Shrine and Hizen Hamashuku Kashima Model Course

Kashima is home to Yutoku Inari Shrine known for its splendid vermilion halls, and to Hizen Hamashuku lined with white walled sake breweries. Worship at one of Japan three great Inari shrines and taste local sake in a historic post town. This is a calm Kashima route that touches the culture of faith and sake brewing. Put your hands together before the solemn halls and walk the town wrapped in the scent of the breweries. Without any flashiness, a journey unique to Kashima that lingers gently in the heart awaits here.

Course Route

9:30 Start at Yutoku Inari Shrine The vermilion main hall projecting over a slope is stunning. First pay respects at the splendid hall that recalls the stage of Kiyomizu Temple.

10:30 Visit the inner sanctuary and Japanese garden From the inner sanctuary up the stone steps you can see the whole Kashima townscape. The Japanese garden in the precinct is also a highlight.

12:00 Lunch before the gate Rest at a shop along the approach while enjoying local flavors.

13:30 Move to Hizen Hamashuku About 15 minutes by car to the historic town that flourished as a post town on the Nagasaki road.

14:00 Stroll the sake brewery street Walk the street lined with white walled storehouse breweries and taste local sake at a brewery. The townscape is selected as an important national preservation district for traditional buildings.

16:00 Stop by Asahigaoka Park Stroll the area that once held Kashima Castle and close the day by looking back on Kashima history.

Highlights

Yutoku Inari Shrine is a renowned shrine regarded as one of Japan three great Inari shrines alongside Fushimi Inari Taisha in Kyoto and Kasama Inari Shrine in Ibaraki. The vermilion main hall built as if projecting over a slope has a splendor likened to the stage of Kiyomizu Temple, and many worshippers visit. Hizen Hamashuku flourished as a post town on the Nagasaki road in the Edo period, and its sake brewery street with white walled breweries and thatched townhouses is its charm. Several breweries line the street, letting you discover local sake unique to Kashima.

Access and Tips

Yutoku Inari Shrine is about 10 minutes by bus or taxi from JR Hizen Kashima Station. Hizen Hamashuku is within walking distance of JR Hizen Hama Station. The two spots are about 15 minutes apart by car, so a car makes the tour smooth. There is also free parking in front of Hizen Hama Station, which is convenient.

A Quick Tip

In early spring Hizen Hamashuku sometimes holds events such as brewery open days. If you plan to enjoy tastings, a plan without driving is recommended. Be sure to take home your favorite local sake as a souvenir.

Practical Travel Notes

• Yutoku Inari Shrine is a renowned shrine regarded as one of Japan three great Inari shrines alongside Fushimi Inari Taisha in Kyoto and Kasama Inari Shrine in Ibaraki. Worship at the main hall is free, and the precinct can be visited freely.
• The vermilion main hall built on a slope is architecture likened to the stage of Kiyomizu Temple. Stone steps continue up to the inner sanctuary, so easy walking shoes are reassuring.
• The precinct has a Japanese garden where you can enjoy seasonal flowers. The way to visit and any fee can change, so check the official website in advance.
• The sake brewery street of Hizen Hamashuku, with white walled storehouse breweries, is selected as an important national preservation district for traditional buildings. It is within walking distance of JR Hizen Hama Station.
• If you enjoy tastings at the breweries, choose a plan without driving. Drunk driving is strictly prohibited by law.
• Yutoku Inari Shrine is about 10 minutes by bus or taxi from JR Hizen Kashima Station. Yutoku Inari Shrine and Hizen Hamashuku are about 15 minutes apart by car.

Practical Information for Your Visit

• Japanese garden and Yutoku Museum (Yutoku Inari Shrine): Both open 9:00-16:30, all year round
• Fees (Yutoku Inari Shrine): Visiting the shrine itself is free of charge. Admission to the Japanese garden is 200 yen, and admission to the Yutoku Museum is 300 yen for adults, 200 yen for university and high school students and 100 yen for junior high and elementary school students (group discounts for parties of 20 or more)
• Parking (Yutoku Inari Shrine): There are the Gaien car park, the Gaien No. 2 car park and the car park in front of the Yutoku Bus Monzen office, with space for about 3,000 ordinary cars in total (some of it paid). Large buses park free of charge
• Goshuin seals (Yutoku Inari Shrine): Issued at the reception desk on the left side of the shrine office. You leave your goshuin book there before praying, and two original goshuin book designs are available, in navy and pink
• Tsugiba relay station and the former Norita Family Residence (Hizen Hamashuku): 10:00-17:00, closed on Tuesdays and over the New Year period, admission free of charge
• Parking (Hizen Hamashuku): The Machinami car park (Funatsu) is free of charge and has space for 3 large buses, 2 medium-sized buses and 6 ordinary cars. Toilets are on site
• Inquiries: 0954-62-2151 (Yutoku Inari Shrine) / 0954-63-3414 (City Planning Division, Kashima City, for Hizen Hamashuku) / 0954-69-8004 (Hizen Hamashuku Water and Townscape Association, an NPO, for booking town walking guides)
• Official information: The official Yutoku Inari Shrine website, the Hizen Hamashuku page on the official Kashima City website, and the official tourism website of the Saga Prefecture Tourism Federation

* The above is a guide based on information published by each facility and local government. Times and prices are subject to change, so please check the official information before you set out.