Kashima

Considered to be one of Japan's top three Inari shrines, it was built in 1687 dedicated to the god Inari. The main shrine, the gohoden, stands atop vermilion wooden beams at an impressive 18 meters high. Its architecture is unique among shrines and it is considered to be among the most visually attractive, as well. It offers a lot of seasonal variation, with cherry blossoms around the shrine in spring, a large yellow gingko tree in the fall, and a beautiful red and white contrast if you're lucky enough to visit in the winter when there is snow. Behind the main shrine you'll find many lined torii gates leading up to the Okunoin (inner shrine).

The castle was constructed in 1807 to replace the former Kashima Domain castle which was built in an area that constantly flooded. There was a palace but never a donjon, so it was spared deconstruction when the One Castle Policy was implemented. Unfortunately, it was burned down in the Saga War, but the gates survived and can be viewed today along with the remains of the moat, which lillies grow from in the summer. It's a pleasant public park.

A stop along the Old Tara Road, it was successful as a sake brewing town as travelers from Nagasaki would stop to drink before continuing on the long journey to Edo. It was also a port town where trade occurred. Many buildings remain as part of the Hizenhama Preservation District including 3 of the original 12 sake breweries.