Arikoyama Inari Shrine, also known as Shiroyama Inari, is a historic Inari shrine in Toyooka City, Hyogo Prefecture. Closely associated with Izushi Castle, it has served as a guardian shrine of the castle since the early Edo period. Its stone stairway lined with vivid vermilion torii gates leads visitors to a peaceful sanctuary overlooking the traditional streets of Izushi, offering a memorable combination of history, spirituality, and scenic views.
The shrine stands in the Inari Enclosure, a section of Izushi Castle located one level above the castle’s highest main enclosure. When Izushi Castle was established in 1604, the shrine became its guardian deity and has maintained that role ever since. Despite its position within the castle grounds, the shrine was open to worshippers regardless of social status during the Edo period.
The approach begins at the foot of the former castle and climbs a stone staircase lined with 37 torii gates. After ascending 157 steps, visitors reach the Inari Enclosure, where the shrine buildings stand to the right. From this elevated spot, visitors can enjoy sweeping views over Izushi and its historic townscape.
Those who continue climbing can reach the ruins of Arikoyama Castle, where traces of the area’s medieval past can be explored amid the surrounding greenery.
After undergoing two relocations, Izushi Castle was established at the foot of Mount Ariko in 1604. During the Meiji period (1868–1912), parts of the castle deteriorated or collapsed following the changes brought about by the Meiji Restoration. Some structures were later reconstructed: the corner turrets were restored in 1968, followed by the castle entrance gate and bridge in 1994.
The castle’s stone walls and surrounding moat remain visible today, offering a sense of its former scale and defensive design. Built on a hillside at the foot of the mountain, the castle site provides broad views across the town. In spring, cherry blossoms add particular beauty to the historic landscape.
A long stone staircase beside the castle ruins leads to Arikoyama Inari Shrine, with around 40 red torii gates creating a striking visual path through the trees. At the top, the quiet grounds are surrounded by mature trees and lush greenery. The view across the old castle town evokes the atmosphere of a place whose streetscape has retained much of its historic character for more than 400 years.
For three days around the third Sunday of March, Arikoyama Inari Shrine hosts the Izushi Hatsuma Grand Festival. This traditional event draws local residents and worshippers for ceremonies celebrating the shrine’s enduring religious heritage. It is an especially lively time to experience the traditions associated with Inari worship.
Arikoyama Castle was a medieval mountain fortress in Izushi, in what was formerly Tajima Province. Together with the ruins of Konosu Castle, it is part of the nationally designated historic site known as the Yamana Clan Castle Ruins. Arikoyama Castle is also included in the Continued Top 100 Japanese Castles list as No. 162, alongside Izushi Castle.
The castle is believed to have been built in 1574 by Yamana Suketoyo. The Yamana clan had originally ruled from Konosu Castle, but the fortress fell in 1569 after an attack by Hashiba Hideyoshi, a retainer of Oda Nobunaga. After returning from Sakai, the Yamana clan established a new stronghold on Mount Ariko.
The name Arikoyama is said to have been chosen after the fall of Konosu Castle. The former castle’s name was associated with the idea of a child being stolen, an unfortunate implication that the Yamana clan wished to avoid. The new name, meaning “the mountain where a child exists,” offered a more auspicious alternative.
The castle’s main enclosure stood at the summit. Six terraced enclosures extended along its western side, while a large enclosure known as Senjojiki occupied the southeastern area. These defensive arrangements reflect the strategic importance of the mountain stronghold.
In 1580, when the castle was held by Yamana Ujimasa, also known as Takahiro, an invasion of Tajima led by Kinoshita Hidenaga resulted in its capture. Ujimasa fled to neighboring Inaba Province.
Afterward, the castle passed through the hands of several military commanders, including Hashiba Nagahide, Aoki Hideyuki, Maeno Nagayasu, and Koide Yoshimasa. It was eventually abandoned when Yoshimasa established Izushi Castle at the foot of the mountain, shifting the center of power to the new castle town.
From Toyooka Station on the JR San-in Main Line or Kyoto Tango Railway, or from Yoka Station on the JR San-in Main Line, take a Zentan Bus bound for Izushi. The journey takes approximately 30 minutes. Get off at the final stop and walk for about five minutes to reach the shrine and the nearby castle ruins.
Nearby attractions include the Izushi Traditional Buildings Preservation District, Kanno-den, Morosugi Shrine, and the ruins of Arikoyama Castle. Together with Izushi Castle and its historic townscape, these sites offer a rewarding journey through the area’s samurai history and cultural heritage.