Taikodani Inari Shrine

太皷谷稲成神社

This shrine and location are absolutely gorgeous! Taikodani Inari shrine has a big impact on the town of Tsuwano. One of the roads down into the town has an impressive big red gate as if the whole town is part of the shrine precinct. You can see the shrine from most places in the town overlooking the valley. It was built to protect the castle that no longer stands. The shrine has resulted in the popularity of deep-fried tofu skin noodles and the same stuffed with rice, which is likewise named after the fox, inari, that is said to like to eat them. The fox is the messenger of the Esoteric Buddhism-related god herein enshrined but offerings are often made to the fox. One can purchase the deep friend tofu skin to make as an offering at the shrine for that reason.

Advice:
--Parking Lot: Private parking lot
Fee: free
Note: 100 cars

After going down the 263 steps, it is about 500m to Tonomachi Dori street in Tsuwano. However, if you do not want to walk, it is safer to move by car.

About 1 hour by car or 49km from/to Yamaguchi City.