Fushimi-Inari Taisya was founded in the 8th century and ranks among the most popular tourist spots in Japan. Fushimi Inari Taisha is renowned for its Senbon Torii gate. The enchanting sight of numerous torii gates forming a red tunnel is like stepping into another world.
This article will share the highlights of Fushimi-Inari Taisha, along with some personal photographs.
The most convenient way to reach Fushimi-Inari Taisha from Kyoto Station is by train.
STEP
Board the JR Nara Line train for Inari on platform 10 at Kyoto Station.
Please note that rapid trains do not stop at JR Inari Station, so you’ll need to catch a local train.
STEP
Disembark at JR Inari Station,
JR Inari Station is the second station from Kyoto Station, a brief 5-minute journey. Fushimi Inari Taisha is conveniently located right in front of the station.
Highlights of Fushimi-Inari Taisya
Upon entering Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine, a large gate with a roof, a national important cultural property, greets you. It’s an ideal spot for commemorative photos.
A short walk leads to the main shrine, where many people offer prayers. It’s believed that expressing daily gratitude and wishing for the happiness of others at shrine is auspicious. Many people feel calm when they go to a shrine. It is said that this is because polite gestures such as put your hands together and bowing will help you breathe more deeply, and naturally feel a feeling of gratitude. When praying, it is said that rather than thinking about your wishes, it is better to think about your feelings of gratitude toward others, and to make vows to yourself.
Throughout the grounds of Fushimi-Inari Taisha, you’ll notice numerous fox statues, revered as messengers of the Inari god, associated with agriculture.
Observing the various fox statues, which have different clothing and appearances, can be quite interesting.
An atmospheric fox statue covered with moss is also on the ground.
A brief stroll takes you to the start of the Senbon Torii. These torii gates, dedicated as a means of fulfilling prayers, are painted red, a color believed to ward off evil.
The vermilion torii gates are lined up beautifully. Although referred to as “Senbon (1,000 in Japanese) Torii,” there are actually almost 10,000 torii gates here. Senbon Trii is a popular photo spot representing Kyoto. It is a world-famous tourist attraction, so many tourists visit, so it’s best to visit early in the morning if you want to take a commemorative photo at Senbon Torii. Early in the morning, there are still less people and it’s easy to take photos.
About 20 minutes’ walk from the torii entrance, you reach Okusha Shrine, the starting point for a hiking trail. If you’re up for it, a 2-hour round hike to the summit, including breaks, is a worthwhile endeavor.
At Okusha Shrine, you’ll find the Omokaru Ishi stone. Legend has it that if the stone feels lighter than expected when lifted, your wish will soon come true.
After walking for a while, you will see a pond, which is about 1/3 of the way to the summit.
A shop is offering some souvenir here and I saw many people stopping by.
According to the store staff, the torii magnets in the photo above is the most popular among both Japanese and tourists from other countries.
Mt. Inari is a low mountain at 233m, but it is a power spot rich in nature. You may even hear the chirping of birds, and walk through the forest in a quiet and sacred atmosphere.
Halfway up the trail, Yotsutsuji offers a spectacular viewpoint overlooking Kyoto city through the torii gates. It’s also a perfect spot for a rest.
The road splits into several parts here.
If you go in the direction that says “To Tanakasha” in the photo above, you will find another impressive viewpoint, called Aragamimine that offers a panoramic view of the city.
From Yotsutsuji, two paths lead to the summit, both enveloped by rich natural beauty. I have climbed both, and the road on the right have a gentler climb, so it felt easier.
The summit, at 233 meters above sea level, hosts another shrine. The trail from Yotsutsuji to the summit circles around, allowing you to return via the same path or take an alternate route.
On the way back, you will find Araki Shrine, which is famous for granting your matchmaking wishes. It is said to bring good luck not only to relationships between men and women, but also to relationships in general.
Information of Fushimi-Inari Taisya
Please check the official website for the latest information. 
