What to know
Taikodani Inari Shrine (太皷谷稲成神社) ranks among Japan's five most important Inari shrines. Built in the mid-18th century northeast of Tsuwano Castle, it was intended to protect the castle from evil spirits, as the northeast was considered the most unlucky direction. Today, visitors come to pray for bountiful harvests, prosperity, and good luck.
The shrine entrance is a short walk from the southern end of Tsuwano's old town. A dense row of vermillion torii gates lines a long staircase leading uphill. A 15-minute climb through this iconic tunnel of gates brings you to the main shrine grounds, where the beautiful main hall and former main hall stand. Large sacred straw ropes hang across the front of the halls, a feature also seen at other shrines in Shimane Prefecture.
It takes about 15–20 minutes to walk from Tsuwano Station to the base of the stairway. From there, another 15-minute climb reaches the main shrine grounds.
Visitor information
Practical details to check before planning this stop.
- Hours
- Always open
- Closed
- No closing days
- Admission
- Free
- English name
- Original name
- Taikodani Inari Shrine
Verify details before visiting. Currency conversion is indicative and may vary over time.