Tour of Japanese shrines and temples 
Tokyo and Kyoto tend to be overcrowded due to the large number of tourists. This time, we have selected, at our own discretion and prejudice, shrines with beautiful cherry blossoms that are not over-touristed. There are still many more places of cherry blossom beauty throughout Japan, but at this time we have listed them as the western Japan version.
Yutoku Inari Shrine [Saga]
Yutoku Inari Shrine [Saga]
Yutoku Inari Shrine was founded in 1687 (Jokyo 4), in the early Edo period. It is one of the three major Inari shrines in Japan and boasts the second largest number of worshippers in Kyushu after Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine in Fukuoka. The vermilion torii gateway set in the mountains, the stalls that entertain worshippers, the quiet front path, and the magnificent shrine pavilions overhead all make for a picturesque and wonderful shrine.
Best time to visit: Mid-March to early April
1855 Furueda-Otsu, Kashima City, Saga 849-1321
※Free parking available
From Hizen Kashima Station on the JR Nagasaki Main Line, board a Yutoku Bus bound for Yutoku Shrine at the Hizen Kashima Ekimae stop in front of the station, and disembark at the Yutoku Shrine-mae stop (approximately 10 minutes).
Approach to Hikosan Jingu Shrine [Fukuoka]
英彦山神宮【福岡県】
It is the only shrine in Fukuoka Prefecture with the prestigious title of “Jingu” (Shrine). The gently sloping stone-paved approach to the shrine, which feels ancient, extends 1 km to the Hikosan Jingu Shrine. The approach to the shrine was a spectacular sight with mountain cherry blossoms in full bloom and the entire mountain in spring. The approach to the shrine in a blizzard of cherry blossoms is a must-see experience.
Best time to visit: Mid-March to early April
1, Eihikoyama, Soeda-cho, Tagawa-gun, Fukuoka 824-0721, Japan
※Free parking available
About 30 minutes by bus from Soeda Station
Otorii of Oosaihara, Kumano Hongu Taisha Shrine [Wakayama]
Otorii, Oosaihara, sanctuaire Kumano Hongu Taisha [Wakayama].
Kumano Hongu Taisha Oyunohara is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site “Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range”. It is the former location of Kumano Hongu Taisha Shrine. The first-time visitor may be surprised to see it because it suddenly appears in the middle of rice paddies, but it is wonderful that the huge torii gate does not feel out of place despite being surrounded by nature. The cherry blossoms are around the torii gate and are small in scale, but they are sure to leave a lasting impression.
Best time to visit: Mid to late April
Motomiya, Motomiya-cho, Tanabe-shi, Wakayama 647-1731
※Free parking is available.
Approximately 60 minutes from Shingu Station to Kumano Hongu by local bus.
From Kii-Tanabe Station, take a local bus to Kumano Hongu Shrine (120 minutes).
Hitoyoshi City and vicinity (Sagara Gokoku Shrine, Kofuku Shrine, Ohata Station) [Kumamoto]
Sagara Gokoku-jinja Shrine is only a castle ruins and a Gokoku-jinja Shrine, so you may feel that it is not enough for sightseeing purposes, but it is a wonderful shrine and place to visit during the cherry blossom season.
Best time to visit: Mid-March to late March
相良護国神社と人吉城跡【熊本県】
Ohata Station is located in Hitoyoshi City, the same city as Sagara Gokoku Shrine. Even those who are not familiar with the “Natsume’s Book of Friends” anime can enjoy it, so it is a good idea to visit cherry blossom viewing spots and sacred places while touring the area.
宮地嶽神社と大畑駅周辺【熊本県】
Kofuku Shrine is located next to Hitoyoshi City and can be reached by train. The shrine is located in Okadome Park, adjacent to “Okadome Happiness Station,” and the cherry blossoms around the park were wonderful.
Okadome Kumanoza Shrine (Happiness Shrine) [Kumamoto]
35-1, Fumeki-cho, Hitoyoshi-shi, Kumamoto 868-0051, Japan
※Free parking available (tourist parking nearby)
Approximately 20 minutes walk from JR Hitoyoshi Station
