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A row of vermilion torii gates and lanterns forming a tunnel on the approach to Taikodani Inari Shrine
Photo: そらみみ, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Shimane · shrine

Taikodani Inari Shrine

太皷谷稲成神社

One of Japan's five great Inari shrines, above the castle town of Tsuwano. Climb a tunnel of about 1,000 vermilion torii and pray for wishes to come true.

The vermilion main hall of Taikodani Inari Shrine on a wooded hillside
Photo: 上空弘育（ひろじー）, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
View from Taikodani Inari Shrine over the town of Tsuwano in a green mountain valley
Photo: そらみみ, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

An Inari shrine brought in to protect a castle

Taikodani Inari Shrine (Taikodani Inari-jinja) is a shrine in the town of Tsuwano, Shimane Prefecture. It was founded in 1773, when Kamei Norisada, the 7th lord of the Tsuwano domain, invited the deity from Fushimi Inari Taisha in Kyoto to pray for peace in the domain and the well-being of its people.

It enshrines Ukanomitama-no-kami, the god of Inari, and Izanami-no-mikoto. It is counted among Japan's five great Inari shrines, and is said to draw more worshippers than any shrine in Shimane except Izumo Taisha.

Written "Inari", but not the usual way

Inari shrines are normally written with the characters 稲荷, but this one uses 稲成. The character 成 (naru) carries the meaning of a wish "coming true". People come from all over to pray for good harvests, thriving business, a safe household and wishes fulfilled.

The shrine's official website explains how to worship here by offering aburaage (deep-fried tofu) and candles.

A tunnel of about 1,000 torii

The approach from the foot of the hill to the shrine buildings is lined with about 1,000 vermilion torii (the gates that mark a shrine), forming a tunnel that runs for about 300 metres. Climb the stone steps through the gates and you reach the vermilion-lacquered shrine buildings.

From the grounds you look down on Tsuwano spread out in its mountain valley. From the town, in turn, you can see the line of vermilion torii on the hillside.

Getting there

It is about 30 minutes on foot from Tsuwano Station on the JR Yamaguchi Line, or about 5 minutes by car or taxi. You can drive up close to the shrine buildings, where there is a free car park. Visiting is free.

If you want to climb the torii approach on foot, head from the centre of Tsuwano to the entrance of the approach.

Tips

  • The torii tunnel is a long flight of stone steps, so wear comfortable shoes.
  • The view down over Tsuwano from the shrine grounds is something only this shrine offers. Do turn around and take it in after you pray.
  • The shrine was built to protect the castle of the Tsuwano domain. Visit after walking round the castle town of Tsuwano and its origins make more sense.

Sources

Updated 30 September 2026. Opening hours and prices change, so check the official site before you go.

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