Fushimi Inari Taisha has become one of the most visited and reviewed shrines in Japan. Situated in Kyoto, the shrine was founded in 711 during the Nara Period, being one of the oldest shinto shrines in Japan.
Fushimi Inari plays a key role as the headquarter of the 40,000 Inari shrines scattered across Japan.
Inari is “the god of rice” and represents “success and prosperity in business.” Therefore many entrepreneurs, employers, and businessmen come here to seek blessings from Inari, especially at the beginning of the New Year.
Foxes are thought to be Inari’s messengers, therefore many fox statues can be seen on the shrine grounds.
Fushimi Inari became famous among the tourists solely for their significantly long rows of 10,000 red gates neatly lined up on the trail.
The shrine gates are a form of donation made by the individuals and companies that came to pray, showing their gratitude towards Inari for their prosperity.
The long red tunnel of shrine gates is one of the most iconic visions of Kyoto along with the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, and Kinkakuji. The trails lead into the wooded forest of the 760 feet high sacred Mount Inari. The whole trail takes about two to three hours, and in between there are shrine buildings that you can make prayers or restaurants you can take rest at. After walking through the long path of arches, the density of arches eventually decreases, but if you continue to climb up the hiking trail, you can enjoy a scenic view of Kyoto from the sacred mountain top.
Fushimi Inari
68 Fukakusa Yabunouchicho,
Fushimi-ku, Kyoto, 612-0882
TEL: 075-641-7331