Travel Japan (Episode 9): Yanagawa and Yutoku Inari Shrine (Kyushu, Japan)
Yanagawa is a scenic city in Fukuoka known for its peaceful canal boat rides and traditional atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy leisurely tours through the waterways, surrounded by charming old buildings and willow trees.
An hour’s drive away, Yutoku Inari Shrine in Saga Prefecture is one of Japan’s most important Inari shrines, renowned for its striking red architecture and hillside setting. The shrine offers stunning views and attracts many visitors seeking blessings and tranquillity.
Join us while we explore Yanagawa and Yutoku Inari Shrine!
Start (00:00)
00:13 – 1: Yanagawa 柳川市
Yanagawa (Fukuoka Prefecture), often called the “Venice of Kyushu,” is a picturesque city famous for its network of canals. These canals, originally built during the Edo period (1603–1868) as part of a defence system and irrigation for rice paddies, are now the city’s main attraction.
Stretching over 470km, the waterways wind through the city, bordered by traditional Japanese residences and weeping willow trees, creating a serene and timeless atmosphere.
Visitors to Yanagawa can experience its charm by taking a leisurely ride on small wooden boats, called “donkobune”. The boatmen, known for their colourful hats and poetic songs, guide passengers through the canals, offering a unique perspective on the city’s history and landscape.
01:53 – 2: Yutoku Inari Shrine 祐徳稲荷神社
Yutoku Inari Shrine is considered one of Japan’s top three shrines dedicated to Inari (remember Kyoto’s Fushimi Inari?). The Shinto god of Inari is primarily known as the protector of rice cultivation. The god also furthers prosperity and is worshipped by merchants. Visitors often come to pray for success in business and personal prosperity.
Founded in 1687, the shrine is built into the steep hillside of a valley near Kashima City, Saga Prefecture.
The shrine is renowned for its vibrant red architecture, set against the lush backdrop of a forested mountain. Perched on 18m tall wooden stilts, the main shrine offers stunning views of the valley below. Its vivid vermilion torii gates stand out beautifully in all seasons, especially during cherry blossom and autumn foliage.
Date visited: Nov-2023
For more info on Yanagawa, refer to our blog: https://www.balukootravel.com/things-to-do-in-yanagawa-kyushu-japan/
For more info on Yutoku Inari Shrine, refer to our blog: https://www.balukootravel.com/yutoku-inari-shrine-kyushu-japan/
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Music Credit
Track: Work it out by LiQWYD https://soundcloud.com/liqwyd
Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0
Free Download / Stream: https://bit.ly/l_work-it-out
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