Fushimi Inari-Taisha

📍68 Fukakusa Yabunouchi-cho, Fushimi-ku, Kyoto City 612-0882

Are you looking for a unique experience in Kyoto that involves walking through and around over 10,000 gates? Then look no further than Fushimi Inari-Taisha, a Shinto shrine in Kyoto that has been around since AD 711. This shrine is dedicated to Inari, the god or kami of rice, prosperity, safety, and success in business. The grounds consist of scenic mountain trails, and the total distance of the trails is estimated to be around one and a half to three miles depending on the route taken. The reason this shrine is a must see is due to its vast number of bright red gates or torii that span over 10,000 in number. The gates vary in size, and the large quantity of them create long, twisting tunnels to walk through. The historical aspect also makes it a must see, since you feel like you step back in time the further you climb.

Foxes are displayed throughout the shrine since they are known as the messengers or kindreds of Inari.

The shrine can be easily accessed by train, either through the JR Nara Line or the Keihan Main Line. On the way to the entrance, there are a variety of vendors selling food, treats, and souvenirs like colorful fox masks and trinkets. Fox statues are seen throughout the premises since the animal is believed to be a messenger or kindred of Inari.

There are over 10,000 gates (torii) that are donated by businesses and individuals as a way to offer up prayers.

I visited this shrine during the fall season to view the changing leaves, and I stopped by in the evening to avoid the large crowds. I snapped some great pictures due to the low number of tourists present, including an amazing view of Kyoto at sunset. Although it was a unique experience, I would not recommend going at night since there are only dim lanterns to light the uneven pathways. In addition, the visitors began to thin out even more as the sun went down, which made for a creepy atmosphere among the ancient structures. Next time I intend to visit in the early morning to still beat the crowds but to have more sunlight available to enjoy everything the shrine has to offer.

Sunset view of Kyoto city at Yotsutsuji intersection, which is about a 30-45 minute trek uphill and only the halfway point of the mountain.

My sister and I were unprepared for how long the mountain trails actually were. If you are interested in hiking to the summit of the mountain and back, it will take around two to three hours. I definitely want to do the full hike in the future, but during my visit we only made it halfway up the mountain to what is referred to as the Yotsutsuji intersection. It took us around 30-45 minutes to get to this point, but know that the hike is fairly steep and requires walking on uneven stairs and dirt. I recommend bringing some water to drink along the way to stay hydrated, but there are vending machines along the trail to purchase drinks. Small shops and restaurants are also scattered throughout the trail, but since we went in the evening, a lot of them were already closed for the day. Note that it is best to dress comfortable and wear shoes appropriate for walking long distances.

Map at the site displaying the trails and different structures encountered along the way. The hike in total is approximately 1.5-3 miles depending on the route taken.

Note that this site is considered a sacred space and many people still visit the shrine to worship. If you plan to pay your respects, be sure to review the etiquette in advance, which includes how to properly enter and exit the shrine and how to cleanse your hands with the water onsite (known as temizu). This Fushimi Inari website lists a guide on how to do these actions. Additional resources, such as the history, maps, and rules can be found on the official Inari website.

Water is seen as a form of purification at shrines.

Overall, this was a fantastic experience for me and a huge highlight of my trip in Kyoto, Japan. I enjoyed getting some good exercise in while at the same time peering into the past with the historical structures. The many gates were breathtaking along with the picturesque views the higher that I climbed up the mountain. Definitely don't miss this shrine if you get the opportunity to visit!