If you get tired from the long climb, take a break on one of the resting stones or benches.
"Yasumiishi" (resting stones) are a unique feature of this hilly town. Originally, they were used to make it easier to carry heavy loads on them, but now they are also used to sit on. There are also rest benches placed at key points on the slopes and stairs, so you can take a break and get a feel for life in Nagasaki.
When you visit Wakamiya Inari Shrine, enjoy sightseeing in the surrounding area as well.
If you take the tram, get off at Shindaikumachi Station. After about a 5-minute walk, you will enter an approach to the shrine that resembles an Inari shrine, with over 70 impressive red torii gates. After climbing over 200 difficult stone steps, you will arrive at Wakamiya Inari Shrine, famous for its bamboo art. Within the shrine grounds, you will find a statue of Sakamoto Ryoma, which was relocated from the site of Kameyama Shachu in 2009, and a new Sakamoto Ryoma Shrine, which will be built in 2022. You can also get a Ryoma amulet, making this a must-see spot for fans of the end of the Edo period. Beyond that, be sure to check out the Nagasaki City Kameyama Shachu Memorial Museum, which displays items related to the patriots of the end of the Edo period.
1. A historic shrine whose main building is said to have been built in 1673. It is also featured in the folk song "The Seven Wonders of Nagasaki."
2. It is also known as "Kinno Inari" (Loyal Emperor's Shrine) because many patriots from the end of the Edo period visited it. The stone bridge over the river
The bridge commonly known as "Ryoma Bridge" where the patriots would have crossed
3. This square torii gate is rare nationwide, with pillars that are square instead of circular. It was donated in 1822 and moved in 1899.
4. Pass through each of the bright red torii gates along the approach to the shrine, feeling a sense of solemnity.
5. The first Sakamoto Ryoma Shrine in Kyushu. The spirit of Ryoma is enshrined here, separated from the "Ryoma Shrine" in Kochi Prefecture.
6. There are also "Ryoma Omamori" and "Ryoma Ema" charms that are said to make dreams come true in honor of Ryoma
7. Within the grounds of Wakamiya Inari Shrine, there is a rest spot with a hilly town typical of Nagasaki
8. There is a resting stone halfway up the slope. Take a break and think about life in Nagasaki along the slope.
9. Japan's first company, "Kameyamashachu." The building on the site is now open to the public as a memorial museum.
10. Valuable items such as replicas of Ryoma's boots are on display, and fans of the end of the Edo period come from all over the country to visit.
11. As you walk down Ryoma Street, the scenery of this "town of hills" changes beautifully.
12. At the bottom of Ryoma Street, approaching Teramachi Street, you can see typical Nagasaki graves, such as tombstones with gold lettering and a large space for fireworks (!!) and toasts (!?).
Wakamiya Inari Shrine
850-0802-2 Irabayashi, Nagasaki City, 10-2
Phone: 095-822-5270
Nagasaki City Kameyama Shachu Memorial Hall
850-0802-2 Irabayashi, Nagasaki City, 7-24
Phone: 095-823-3400
There's more to October than just bamboo art! Wakamiya Inari Shrine is packed with attractions
If you want to see the Ryoma statue and the city of Nagasaki, climb up to Kazegashira Park
At Kazagashira Park, you can experience making Hata kites, which are beautifully designed and unique to Nagasaki.
If you find it difficult to walk up the hill, it is easier to come to Kazagashira Park by bus or car and then go down.
The correct way to take a photo is to put your feet in with your shoes on! Ryoma's Boots Statue
For those who want to know more, there are guided tours that follow in the footsteps of Sakamoto Ryoma.
