《49》Saga Journey - Yutoku Inari Shrine (Part 4)

《49》Saga Journey - Yutoku Inari Shrine (Part 4)

《49》Saga Journey - Yutoku Inari Shrine (Part 4)...The path leading to Yutoku Inari

 - Yutoku Inari has a long approach (about 400m) leading to the shrine grounds. Since the establishment of the shrine, the Inari-okami,, originally a god of agriculture, has expanded its sphere of worship with the addition of the gods of commerce and fishery. As a result, many inns lined the approach to the shrine, and formed a bustling shrine town.

 - In the "Guide to Yutoku Inari Shrine" written at the end of the Meiji era (1868-1912), it is written that pilgrims using the Kyushu Railway (now the JR Sasebo Line) could reach the shrine gate in two hours by using the Yutoku Railway car from in front of Takeo Station. There used to be a railroad running from the Taisho era to the early Showa era.

 - Nowadays, with the development of transportation, most of the overnight visitors are lost to the nearby Ureshino Onsen and the area has been replaced by a shopping street with souvenir stores and restaurants. As for souvenirs, "Inari Yokan" and "Yutoku Senbei" are popular. Many restaurants and cafes are lined up for lunch and rest. Udon noodles, Inari-zushi, and carp dishes are the specialties. /

佐賀の旅-祐徳稲荷神社(その4)…祐徳稲荷へ通ずる道

 - 祐徳稲荷は境内へとつながる長い参道(約400m)があります。神社建立以来、もともとの農耕神としての稲荷大神が,商業神・漁業神としての神格も加わることにより信仰圏が拡大しました。それに伴いたくさん旅籠が参道に並び,賑わいを見せる門前町が形成されたのです。

 - 明治の末に書かれた「祐徳稲荷神社案内記」には,九州鉄道(現在のJR佐世保線)利用の参詣人は、武雄駅前から祐徳軌道車を利用して2時問で門前に至ると記しています。かつて大正から昭和の初期までは鉄道が走っていたのですね。

 - 現在では交通機関の発達で泊り客の多くは近隣の嬉野温泉に奪われ,土産物店と食堂が並ぶ商店街にかわっています。土産物では、「稲荷ようかん」や「祐徳せんべい」が人気です。食堂ではランチや休憩に適した食事処、カフェも多く並び、うどんや稲荷寿司、鯉料理などが名物です。