Yūtoku Inari Shrine, Shinto shrine in Kashima, Japan.
Yūtoku Inari is a Shinto shrine in Kashima, Japan, whose main hall stands on a stage-like structure above 117 stone steps. The hall is finished in full lacquer, and the complex is divided by the Nishinagawa river: the main hall, kagura hall and tower gate lie to the west, with a garden to the north. A red-railed bridge with a rounded stone arch leads toward the entrance.
The complex began in 1688 as a private family shrine for the ruling household of the region, which monitored Kyushu island on behalf of the government in Edo. Later additions included side buildings and the upper area with an additional prayer site.
The site takes its name from one of the most important agricultural protector deities and draws merchants who pray for business prosperity. The bright red lacquer finishes on the structures follow traditional designs from Edo and show detailed carvings of plant and animal motifs.
The main hall sits atop 117 stone steps, but a paid elevator serves visitors who cannot climb them. Buses from Hizen-Kashima Station take about ten minutes; from Saga Station Bus Center the ride is roughly an hour. A free car park for 3,000 vehicles stands at the north end of the approach, and the Yūtoku Museum is beside the lot east of the Kinpa River.
A path with consecutive red gates leads uphill to a second prayer room, from where Ariake Bay and the rooftops of the town are visible. The distance between each gate remains almost equal throughout and creates a visual rhythm during the ascent.
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