Atago Inari Shrine: Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture

Atago Shrine is one of those places that you hear about a lot but actually never actually get to. It is positioned in an area that has many more famous attractions and thus seems to get left off most agendas and itineraries.

One this fine sunny day, I decided to take the plunge and check it out.  Of course once I got there I was kicking myself, wondering why in the world had I left it too long for a first visit?

Atago Shrine is perched up on a hill with an amazing scenery of the western part of the city with obviously spectacular views of the 2 standout landmarks of the area, namely the Fukuoka Tower and the Fukuoka Dome/ Hilton Seahawk Hotel.  In fact, I am sure that there is no where else in the city that offers these panoramic views.

The shrine itself is nothing special and there are many more important and impressive shrines in and around Fukuoka City but I can tell you this there aren't any with better views than this one. I have been told by a few good friends that the sunsets here are sublime as the sun sets in a westerly direction. Haven't had the chance to be here during that time but it's just another to do, and on the list.  When I finally do, I will post it here.

Please see the Atago Inari Shrine on a map below:

 

Please click on the photos below to enlarge:

Spectacular views

The gate entrance

People come for the view

It's a popular place.

The Shrine itself is non-descript

What a view!

Fukuoka Tower

Need an amulet?

Please click on the videos below to see more of the Atago Inari Shrine.

Yutoku Inari Shrine: Kashima, Saga Prefecture

In 1687, the Yutoku Inari Shrine was built upon the request of Lord Nabeshima, who ruled the domain of the region. At the shrine, the deity Inari Okami, worshiped by the Emperor, is enshrined. This deity is the guardian of food, clothing, and shelter, 3 major areas of concern and a necessity among Japanese people.

The Yutoku Inari Shrine is one of the three most famous shrines dedicated to Inari. People visit the shrine every year to pray for good business, good fortune for their families, a large catch and or harvest, traffic safety and other matters. The shrine is a major tourist attraction, approximately 3 million people visit the shrine annually, and in Kyushu it is the second largest number after Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, located in Fukuoka Prefecture.

The red Torii gates near the main shrine lead all the way up to the top of the mountain situated directly behind the main building.  You can see a spectacular view from the top and of course the flowers of the four seasons are highly visible. Cherry blossoms bloom in spring, and Momiji (Japanese maple) turn red in autumn. The other most famous flowers such as azalea and cosmos also bloom at various times of the year. It is highly probable that visits throughout the year will probably have a flower in bloom at the time.

On this fine spring day, I was able to see the magical and exquisite Cherry Blossoms. Of course this made it a special experience indeed, but the view from the scenic point as well as the general atmosphere around the main buildings and its surrounds is quite spectacular and well received.  It really is a special place to explore and as a result id one of the most instagrammable places in Kyushu. A visit will create a lasting impression.

Please see the Yutoku Inari Shrine on a map below:

Please click on the photos below to enlarge:

Maps always help

The main entrance

Cleansing station

A carp pond is another feature

Prayer station

Stairs are always present

Cherry Blossoms in bloom

One of the entrance protectors

Spectacular backdrop

Please click on the videos below to learn more about the Yutoku Inari Shrine.

One Legged Torii Gate: Nagasaki City, Nagasaki Prefecture

The One Legged Torii Gate in Nagasaki City (gate entrance of a Shrine) is well known as one of the unanticipated consequences of the atomic bomb blast on August 9, 1945.  The epicenter of the bomb's destructive force was located approximately 800 meters from the Shrine and as a result, one support column was knocked down but the other somehow remained standing, even though it was rotated about 30 degrees on its pedestal base, and facing another direction than its original position.

Just to stand here now and see the remnants of the bomb and its effects on Nagasaki makes one realized how significant life really is. "The One-Legged Torii bears the scars of traumas past and still stands with determination" is a famous quote I once heard that really resonates with me and provides me inspiration whenever I am going through a tough time and need to re-evaluate what is really important in life.

The One Legged Torii Gate a real find and a place that pictures just don't do justice.  A little word of warning though, the actual location is situated above the road level and quite an amount of stair climbing is involved in getting to the place in point.

Pictures can be taken from below and will give you a sense of the power of the atomic explosion all those years ago but of course to get up close and personal and to touch the monument will give you so much more of a connection.  You will just have to conserve the amount of stairs you climb during the day and save them all up for the last and biggest climb of them all, you won't be disappointed!

Our Private Nagasaki and Shimabara Tours nearly always visits this site at the end of the day before returning to the Nagasaki Port which is only 10 minutes away.

Check out the One Legged Torii Gate in Nagasaki on this map below:

 

Click on the photos below to enlarge:

Lots of stairs

Great story

In all its glory

Still standing

Destroyed column

English info

Please check out the One Legged Torii Gates in the videos below:

Hakata Station Roof: Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture

Many of our Private Tour pick ups and or drop off originate from Hakata Station in Fukuoka City.  Basically, Hakata Station is the most centrally located area of Fukuoka City and the mainstay for incoming and outgoing travel into the City limits.

As a result of this, evert Tom, Dick and Chieko are driven towards Hakata Station like flies to honey.  It is a shoppers delight with any and every shop you could desire.  It`s a hang out destination for the younger Japanese Millennials so be prepared to be crowded like sardines because from morning to night the place is packed and this is no joke.

However, there is a secret spot to take a timeout if you get overawed with the situation.  It is on the roof of the building and it serves 2 purposes.  It`s main purpose is to showcase Fukuoka City by giving you a Panoramic 360 degree view of the city and outlying area.  I always find it essential on my private tours to give people an idea on actually how Mountainous the areas around Fukuoka City really are.

Once we have our bearings, I usually take the group and participate in a small blessing at the Shrine that is dedicated to safe travels.  Quite a lot of Japanese travelers will come to the roof, give a blessing to the Shrine and then catch their train to their destination.  To many people this has become second nature just like buying a ticket for their journey.

Finally, there are also aspects of nature of the roof, the sounds of running water, flowers, plants and you wouldn`t believe it a miniature Rice Paddy to show you how intertwined rice is in daily life here in Japan.

It`s just a great way to start the tour and the beginning of our great day together.
I am sure you will agree at the end of the day.

Please look below to see Hakata Station on a map:

 

Please click on the photos below to enlarge:

Roof View

Convenient location close to Asia

Growing rice as well!

Travel around Kyushu

Please click on the following videos to see more about these 2 interesting places on the roof of Hakata Station.