1.Utono Inari-jinja Shrine

Superb views from
Oinari-sama atop a stone wall

　Usuki Park is known as a place for rest and recreation. Utono Inari-jinja Shrine stands in the northeast of this park on the site of Usuki Castle. This direction corresponds to the castle’s weak point, so it is said that the shrine was initially an enshrinement of the castle’s Jinushi-gami or Niujima-myojin atop an outer revetment. Behind it is Utono-guchi Gate Side Turret, an important structure that escaped demolition when the castle was abandoned . Seeing the vermillion torii gates between the shrine and the turret may recall to visitors the unique atmosphere of Inari-jinja shrines. Many visitors like to take a stroll here as the torii gates continue on to the roadway. It is a favorite shrine among local residents and you will see most visitors stop and pray in front of it.