Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine is one of Kyoto’s most iconic landmarks and a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Japan. Dedicated to the Shinto god of agriculture and prosperity, it’s also one of Kyoto’s most popular attractions. Known for its seemingly endless path of vibrant vermillion torii gates that wind up the sacred Mount Inari, the shrine is a place where history, culture, and nature converge.
A Brief History of Fushimi Inari Taisha
Fushimi Inari Taisha dates back to the 8th century, making it one of Kyoto’s oldest and most significant Shinto shrines–in fact, since it was first established in 711 AD, it predates Kyoto’s establishment as the capital of Japan. Fushimi Inari Taisha is dedicated to Inari, the Shinto deity of rice, agriculture, and prosperity, for whom the mountain on which the shrine stands is also named. Over the centuries, Inari’s influence expanded to include business success, making Fushimi Inari a popular destination for merchants and entrepreneurs coming to pray for success. There are about thirty thousand shrines dedicated to Inari across Japan, but Fushimi Inari Taisha is head shrine to all of the others.
The thousands of torii gates for which the shrine is famous have been donated by individuals and businesses seeking blessings for their success. Each gate is inscribed with the name of its donor, and new gates are still added regularly to this vibrant labyrinth.
Exploring the Shrine Grounds
Though you’ve almost certainly seen images of it on social media or even in travel books, Fushimi Inari Taisha is more than just its iconic torii path. The main shrine complex at the base of Mount Inari is a beautiful area with some wonderful examples of traditional Shinto architecture.
The Romon Gate
As you approach the shrine, you’ll first encounter the impressive Romon Gate, a two-story structure painted in bright vermillion and topped with a distinctive roof. The gate was built by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, a powerful warlord from Japan’s Sengoku period (1615-1467). It’s said that Hideyoshi donated the funds to build the gate after his prayers to Inari to heal his ailing mother were granted.
The Honden (Main Hall)
Beyond the Romon Gate lies the Honden, or Main Hall, where visitors can offer prayers to Inari, as well as four other deities enshrined within. The hall is an excellent example of traditional Shinto architecture, with its unusual curved roof and intricate woodwork. The original Main Hall was burnt down during the Onin Rebellion in 1468, but it was reconstructed in 1499, and elements of the architecture reflect the styles of the time.
Fox Statues (Kitsune)
Throughout the shrine grounds, you’ll notice numerous stone fox statues, and even some white foxes carved into the shrine buildings themselves. In Japanese folklore, foxes are believed to be the messengers of Inari and are often depicted holding a key in their mouths, symbolizing their role as protectors of rice granaries.
In addition to praying at the shrine, visitors can also purchase omamori (charms) and ema (wooden prayer plaques) to leave a written wish at the shrine. The ema at Fushimi Inari are especially popular for their unique shape: a triangle, made to look like the head of a fox.
The Famous Torii Path
The highlight of any visit to Fushimi Inari Taisha is walking through the Senbon Torii, or “Thousand Torii Gates.” This iconic pathway begins just behind the main shrine and stretches several kilometers up Mount Inari.
The Senbon Torii
The torii gates, painted in vibrant vermillion, create a mesmerizing tunnel-like effect as they wind up the mountain. You may even have seen them on film before in movies like Memoirs of a Geisha (2005). Walking through this path can be a meditative experience if you’re lucky enough to walk it when it’s relatively empty, as the gates form a rhythmic pattern of light and shadow, and the surrounding forest provides a peaceful ambiance.
Yotsutsuji Intersection
About halfway up the mountain, you’ll reach Yotsutsuji, a rest stop that offers panoramic views of Kyoto. This is a great spot to take a break, enjoy the scenery, and snap some photos.
Continuing the Hike
For those who enjoy hiking, the trail continues beyond Yotsutsuji, leading to smaller shrines and stone monuments scattered across Mount Inari. The entire loop takes around 2-3 hours to complete, depending on your pace and how often you stop to take in the surroundings.
Tips for Exploring the Torii Path
Start early in the morning to avoid crowds, especially if you want to take uninterrupted photos of the gates. In high seasons especially the shrine can easily become mobbed with visitors hoping to catch the perfect shot themselves. You’ll be much likelier to catch an empty shot if you walk a bit further along the torii path.
For that, you’ll also need to wear comfortable shoes suitable for hiking, as the trail can be steep and uneven in places, and this isn’t where you want to be caught in your nice heels.
Finally, bring water and snacks, especially if you plan to hike to the summit. You’ll especially want these if you visit during Kyoto’s notoriously hot summer, but they’re a good thing to have on hand in any season.
Nearby Attractions and Activities
Fushimi Inari Taisha is located in southern Kyoto, an area with its own unique histories. If you have time, consider exploring some of these nearby attractions:
Tofuku-ji Temple
A short walk from Fushimi Inari, Tofuku-ji is a Zen temple famous for its stunning gardens and traditional architecture. The temple’s Tsutenkyo Bridge offers beautiful views of a gorge filled with maple trees, making it a popular spot during the autumn foliage season, when the temple opens even at night for a special light-up event. Just be prepared for crowds!
Fushimi Sake District
If you’re interested in Japanese sake, head to the nearby Fushimi Sake District. This area is home to some of Kyoto’s oldest and most renowned sake breweries, where you can sample a variety of local varieties and learn about the sake-making process.
Daigo-ji Temple
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Daigo-ji Temple is known for its stunning five-story pagoda, serene gardens, and cherry blossoms in spring. For those who enjoy hiking, the upper temple area (Kami-Daigo) offers scenic trails and panoramic views of Kyoto. From Fushimi Inari Taisha, the temple is reachable by bus or a combination of train and bus in about 40 minutes, but it may be simpler to make the journey via taxi, which should take around 20 minutes.
How to Get to Fushimi Inari Taisha
Fushimi Inari Taisha is easily accessible by public transportation:
By Train
From Kyoto Station, take the JR Nara Line to Inari Station. It’s about a 5-minute ride, and the shrine’s entrance is directly across the street from the station, making it a convenient option for visitors.
Alternatively, you can take the Keihan Main Line to Fushimi-Inari Station, which is about a 5-minute walk from the shrine. This is a good option if you’re traveling from downtown Kyoto, in either the Gion or Kawaramachi areas, as you can hop on the Keihan Line from either Sanjo or Gion-Shijo stations (approximately a 20 minute ride).
By Bus
Kyoto City Bus also offers routes to the Fushimi area, but trains are generally more convenient and faster.
