Photo: Luka Peternel, CC BY-SA 4.0Temple & shrine · Kyoto
Fushimi Inari Taisha
伏見稲荷大社
Fushimi Inari Taisha is the head shrine of Inari, the god of rice and business, first enshrined here in 711. Its paths climb Mount Inari, a 233-metre sacred mountain, under around 10,000 vermilion torii gates. Each gate was given by a person or company, and their name is written on the back.
The famous Senbon Torii, two rows of gates side by side, starts just behind the main hall. Keep climbing and the crowds thin out, with small shrines, stone foxes and views over Kyoto. The shrine never closes, so an early morning or evening walk feels very different from the busy middle of the day.
What to see and do
Two tight rows of vermilion gates, the most famous sight of the shrine.
The full loop over Mount Inari takes 2–3 hours, past thousands of gates and small shrines.
About 30–45 minutes up, this junction has views over Kyoto and is a good place to turn back.
Stone foxes, the messengers of Inari, guard the shrines, often with a key or a scroll in their mouths.
Good to know
- Go early morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday crowds.
- Wear good shoes and bring water; the mountain paths are all steps.
