Kyushu 2023 - Dazaifu Inari Shrine

 

Exploring Dazaifu was quite a blur for me. It was more of a 'have to do' tourist spot than a 'want to do' tourist spot, hence the frequent distraction along the way of even reaching the main temple. So while heading toward the main temple, we ended up in a small forested area, and the red torii gates in the middle of the forest kinda lead us off path again. (note: see the picnic platform on the left side of the photo? I've always wanted to sit on one and enjoy a meal there. Guess what? I finally did it in 2024 in a temple somewhere in Kyoto! Hopefully that is coming up next after this Kyushu Adventure).

I love these gigantic torii gate. It usually means there is a nice temple up in front. And the red and white flag seems to indicate that it will be a Fox Shrine (Inari Shrine). Inari Shrines are usually on top of a mountain or some high places, and to be honest, I haven't done much research on this place to know how high that hike was gonna be. But it was such a beautiful day, so we decided to follow the red torii gate and see where it lead. 

Here is me at the bottom of the steps before our hike. This photo should give you some perspective of how tall the torri gates are. And deep high inside were more and more red torii gate. 

Here is a different view point. I just love the colour combination here. 

And the red and white flag ran through the whole forest, leading us closer and closer to the temple.

And as expected, there were a lot of stairs involved at the last leg of it. After visiting Kunisaki, these stone steps were a piece of cake for me! Lol. Fun fact, the most famous Inari Shine is probably Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto. I hiked it half way once with my husband and friend, and guess what, I managed to climb to the top of it in 2024 when I visited again with my friend! I can't wait to blog more about that trip cause it was just an amazing 2 weeks in Kansai and Hiroshima area!

Finally, we reached the main shrine. For Inari Shrine, the journey is always more fun than the destination. 

Another beautiful concept of Japanaese culture, the fox spirit, messenger of the Gods. 

I am always confused whether fox spirit is good or evil. Cause in Chinese stories, they are always evil or up to mischief. And some Inari in Japan can also looks kinda fierce and scary. Still, I think I would always be fascinated by Inari Shrine. Their red torii running all over mountains or sea caves are always a sight to be amazed by. 

Ending this most with some candid photo of me along the hike. Look at those lovely trees!

Me signing off here.