Hello!
Have you all heard of the “Senbon Torii”? Located at Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto, you can see the magnificent sight of a row of torii gates.
It’s something that everyone would love to see at least once! …But it’s not a place that you can easily get to.
For those of you who feel like you’re in a different place, we’d like to share with you the atmosphere!
This time, we’ll be taking a shrine tour that you can drop in on on your day off! We’ll be introducing Chitose Inari Shrine, a spot in Yamagata City where you can experience a mini Kyoto atmosphere.

What is Chitose Inari Shrine?

Yamagata Prefecture is home to many famous shrines, including Gokoku Shrine, Yudono-san Shrine, and Kumano Taisha Shrine. While each shrine is wonderful and charming, Chitose Inari Shrine is just as captivating!

History of Chitose Inari Shrine

Chitose Inari Shrine’s history dates back to around 1356 during the Muromachi period.
Later, when Shiba Kaneyori, ancestor of the Mogami clan, was building Yamagata Castle, he sent an inspection party to nearby Mount Chitose to survey the entire site from a high vantage point.
However, the city of Yamagata at that time was often shrouded in mist, making it impossible to see the town clearly, even from the mountain top.
The troubled envoy prayed to the nearby shrine dedicated to the Great Inari Deity.
Immediately, the haze cleared, allowing the survey to be completed successfully.
Upon hearing this, Kaneyori rejoiced, attributing it to divine intervention. He built a shrine facing the castle gate to enshrine the Great Inari Deity.
From then on, it is said that Kanetaka and the local residents prayed daily to the Inari Great Deity for bountiful harvests.
Perhaps the agricultural development of Yamagata Prefecture today is thanks to the Great Inari Deity!

The Approach with Torii Gates

Chitose Inari Shrine, deeply connected to Yamagata City, is notable for its number of torii gates.
There are a whopping 66 of them!
While not quite as many as Kyoto’s Senbon Torii, it still makes a strong impression and is well worth seeing!
Each torii is said to have been erected by devotees, showing just how beloved the shrine is by local residents.
Another unique feature is that the shrine grounds are located on a mountainside. This means you can enjoy a bit of a mountain hike while casually strolling along the torii-lined approach!

Off to Chitose Inari Shrine!

This time, I actually visited Chitose Inari Shrine in Yamagata City, so I’d like to introduce it!
Commonly known as “Onigiri Mountain”, this Chitoseyama is actually a famous hiking spot. Even on weekends, it’s not too crowded, making it a perfect spot to casually enjoy a Kyoto-like atmosphere right in Yamagata City!

Access

From Yamagata Station, drive toward the Prefectural Office for about 10 minutes. Turn right at the traffic light in front of “Chitoseyama Konnyaku,” and you’ll immediately see the gray torii gate. There’s also a free parking lot nearby, making access very convenient.

Off to Worship!

This magnificent torii gate exudes history.
Now, a bow before the first gate. Passing through, splendid guardian dogs welcomed us. Such a dignified presence…
Though a bit of snow remains on the approach path, it seems perfectly walkable. I made the climb in sneakers, but trekking shoes would be even better.
Alright! The stairs look a bit steep, but I’ll tackle them as a mini hike!

Absolutely breathtaking!!!
The snowy landscape adds to the uniquely magical atmosphere of this season.
It’s a spectacular sight that makes all the fatigue from the climb disappear!
It feels just like exploring Kyoto’s shrines!

The torii gates bear the inscription “Dedication”, indicating each one was donated by a believer.

Arrival at the Precincts

After walking about 10 minutes along the torii-lined approach, I finally arrived at the grounds of Chitose Inari Shrine! The main shrine building is covered in snow fencing for winter. It looks like it’s wearing clothes.

At the hand-washing basin beside the stairs, we rinse our hands and mouth before worship. It is very well maintained.
Chitose Inari Shrine is dedicated to a deity said to grant blessings for abundant harvests and prosperous business, so we make our wishes and pray.
Two bows, two claps, one bow!
Explanations of the worship etiquette are also posted, so even first-time visitors can feel at ease.

Omikuji fortune slips and goshuin temple stamps are available on the grounds. Paper goshuin stamps are available by phone request.

Guardian dogs stood at the entrance, but fox statues also adorn the shrine grounds. Guardian dogs serve as the shrine’s guardians, while foxes are messengers of the gods—a sight unique to Inari shrines!

Actually, there’s more to come…?

After finishing my visit and seeing most of the area, I thought it was time to head back down… but then I spotted a path leading even further in! Apparently, this connects to a hiking trail that goes all the way to the Chitoseyama Summit Observatory. So the shrine was just along the way.
I wasn’t prepared, so I decided against it, but I did see a few hikers here and there. Most of them were well-equipped for the cold, so if you plan to hike, proper preparation is essential.

On the way back, I safely descended while admiring the spectacular view of Yamagata city below!
It felt just like touring Kyoto’s shrines—a truly satisfying experience!
The descent is a bit steep, so take your time and go slowly.

Chitoseyama Konnyaku

Finish with konnyaku balls!
Near the shrine entrance, you’ll find “Chitoseyama Konnyaku”! Enjoy delicious Yamagata specialty konnyaku balls! Perfect for satisfying your hunger after visiting the shrine!
Check out the report on “Chitoseyama Konnyaku” here 

Summary

What did you think?
The Chitose Inari Shrine we visited this time has deep historical ties to Yamagata City. It’s a wonderful shrine where you can enjoy a mystical atmosphere and breathtaking views! Not only can you pay your respects, but the mini hike along the way also offers a little adventure. Why not stop by for a short trip on your day off, or if you happen to be nearby?
Perfect for a spontaneous weekend trip! Experience a taste of Kyoto right here in Yamagata City at Chitose Inari Shrine—definitely worth a visit!