Fushimi Inari Taisha is one of the most majestic and memorable places you’ll find in Kyoto, making it a travel destination worth adding to your bucket list. Spread across the densely forested slopes of the sacred Inari mountain are eye-popping galleries of red torii gates that line the walking trails. These trails span 4 kilometres up the mountain and connect to many sub-shrines. With its whimsical setting, it’s no surprise that Fushimi Inari Taisha is often named Kyoto’s best shrine.
Extremely popular with tourists and local visitors, there is certainly something enchanting about taking the long and winding journey through the tunnels of never-ending red gates in this sacred part of Kyoto. Each torii is etched with the name of its donor, with some costing as much as 1 million yen.
Guarded by Kitsune: The grand shrine of Fushimi Inari
Founded in 711, Fushimi Inari Taisha is the head Shinto shrine of Inari Ōkami, the god of rice, fertility, tea, agriculture, and sake. Kitsune (fox) statues, revered as the messengers of Inari, are scattered throughout the shrine grounds. A pair of these kitsune stand guard at the main gate, one holding a sacred jewel representing the fox’s spirit, the other holding a key to the rice granary. Interestingly, Japanese merchants and manufacturers also worship Inari as the patron of business.
Many contend that a visit to Fushimi Inari Taisha is not complete without the 2-hour journey up the mountain. Whilst the upper precincts boast less of the magnificent vermilion torii gates, the smaller shrines, cemeteries, and teahouses (all adorned with the ubiquitous kitsune statues) are just as magical to explore.
Kyoto’s best shrine is open throughout the night
Admission to Fushimi Inari Taisha is free, and the shrine is open 24 hours. Both the approach to the shrine and the main hall are illuminated all throughout the night. Of course, the best time to visit the shrine is still in the day, when there is enough natural light to admire the sprawling grounds and torii gates.
Another reason to go in the daytime…
Traditional Snacks: What to eat at the shrine
On the approach to the shrine, you’ll find a number of shops selling popular snacks. These include senbei rice crackers and fragrant taiyaki (fish-shaped waffles filled with sweetened red bean paste). Don’t forget the delicious mitarashi dango — grilled rice dumplings glazed in sweet soy sauce! The vendors pack up for the day before the sun sets, so be sure to get your energy boost before you attempt the climb.
How to get to Fushimi Inari Shrine
The best train stations for Fushimi Inari Taisha are Fushimi-Inari Station and Inari Station. The shrine is less than 5 minutes on foot from either station, so you can’t miss it.
From Kyoto or Osaka, take the Keihan Main Line and stop at Fushimi-Inari Station, or the JR Nara Line and stop at Inari Station.
Fushimi Inari Taisha
68 Fukakusa Yabunouchicho
Fushimi-ku, Kyoto
Kyoto Prefecture, Japan
inari.jp
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