Taikodani-Inari-jinja

Top choice in Western Honshū


Within walking distance of town, this thriving shrine, built in 1773 by the seventh lord Kamei Norisada, is one of the five major Inari shrines in Japan. Walk up the hillside to it through a tunnel created by hundreds of torii, which are lit up at night, creating a beautiful sight from the town. At the top is a grand shrine complex, and fabulous views of the valley and mountains.

To get here, take Tonomachi Road and turn right before the river bridge, then follow the signs. The steps should take between 10 and 20 minutes to climb; or you can drive and park on-site.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Western Honshū attractions

1. Morijuku Museum

0.25 MILES

This museum is housed in a 150-year-old building that once served as the home of a shōya (village headman). Downstairs is a collection of soft-edged…

2. Tsuwano Catholic Church

0.31 MILES

The church here is a reminder of the town's Christian history. 'Hidden Christians' from Nagasaki were exiled here in the early Meiji period. It's…

3. Tsuwano-jō

0.45 MILES

The broken walls of Tsuwano-jō brood over the valley. A slightly rickety chairlift takes you slowly up the hillside, and there's a further 15-minute walk…

4. Nishi Amane Former Residence

0.52 MILES

It's a pleasant walk down the river from Tsuwano town centre to see the peaked-roof former residence of Nishi Amane (1829–97), a philosopher and political…

5. Chapel of St Maria

0.53 MILES

The tiny Maria-dō dates from 1951. More than 150 'hidden Christians' were imprisoned in a Buddhist temple on this site in the early years of the Meiji…

6. Mori Ōgai Former Residence

0.54 MILES

The old residence of Mori Ōgai (1862–1922), a highly regarded novelist who served as a physician in the Imperial Japanese Army.

7. Anno Art Museum

0.55 MILES

Tsuwano-born Anno Mitsumasa is famous for his wonderfully detailed illustrated books, including Anno's Alphabet and Anno's Journey. You can see his work…

8. Mori Ōgai Memorial Museum

0.56 MILES

This simple building next to the novelist's former residence displays signed manuscripts and relics from his life as a writer and physician. One for…