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Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine, The Mountain with Ten Thousand Gates

A Wandering Foodie | Blog | Travel Diary | Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine, The Mountain with Ten Thousand Gates

Yuen Mi | A Wandering Foodie · April 28, 2016 · 44 Comments

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Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine in Kyoto Japan

Quick Access: Table of Contents

  • Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine: Kyoto’s Number One Attraction:
  • Exploring Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
  • Etiquette at Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrines
  • How to Get to Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
    • Train
    • Taxi
    • Walking
    • Bus
  • Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine Opening Hours, Address and Fee
  • Check Out These Other Asia Travels
    • Love this post? Pin it for later!

Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine: Kyoto’s Number One Attraction:

Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine (伏見稲荷大社), is built at the base of Inari Mountain by the Hata family in the seventh century. It is said to be the most famous of several thousand shrines dedicated to Inari, the Shinto God of rice. In Japan, foxes are thought to be Inari’s messengers, and as a result, there are many fox statues scattered across the shrine grounds. 

Over the centuries, it established itself as the primary shrine for over 30,000 Inari shrines all over Japan. Now, it is the most visited shrine—during the new years, more than 3 million people travel from all over to pay their respect.

More than 10,000 red torii gates straddle the stone pathway leading up to Inari Mountain. Although in pictures, you are lead to believe the torii gates are red, it is actually vermilion, the colour of the sun —and is said to expel evil spirits and diseases. Every single one of those torii gates has been donated by an individual or an organisation from around the world. Their names and the date in which it was purchased are inscribed on the gates in Japanese characters. Thinking of making a gate purchase? It could cost you anywhere from $4000 USD for a small one, and up to $10,000 USD for a large one. After much deliberation (looking at my coin purse), we decided it was impossible at that very moment.

Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine Kyoto Japan

Exploring Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine

Most foreigners visit the Fushimi Inari Shrine to explore the mountain trails, however, the shrine buildings themselves are worth a visit as they are quite beautifully constructed. Since the walk to the main entrance is about 8 minutes on foot, we were able to enjoy the many food stalls leading toward the shrine.

Travelling through Asia, you will realise that street food reigns supreme.  For me, the best and most authentic foods weren’t found in large fancy restaurants, but in the stalls or carts lining up quiet alleys and busy streets. So, of course, we took advantage of the variety of food options at the stalls, since the prices are a lot cheaper than most restaurants and is definitely as filling and satisfying as one.

fushimi inari taisha shrine local food stall taiyaki

fushimi inari taisha shrine street food stall takoyaki

After a short walk, the Roman Gate, donated in 1589 by the famous leader Toyotomi Hideyoshi stands tall at the shrine’s entrance. Just behind the Roman Gate stands the shrine’s main building (Honden), and various auxiliary buildings.

The Roman Gate at Fushimi Inari Shrine

Entrance to Fushimi Inari Shrine

Hand wash pavilion at Fushimi Inari Shrine
A handwashing stations where visitors are required to wash their hands, and then mouth for purification. There’s a specific custom for this procedure that needs to be followed strictly. I tried to glean this custom without looking like a creeper and failed.

Its various auxiliary buildings themselves are also beautiful and worth exploring if you have the time. Hiking up the Inari mountain will take you approximately 2 to 3 hours depending on your fitness level. If you for some reason decided to visit the Fushimi Inari Shrine near the evening or late afternoon, you can bypass the mountain hike, and just make wishes at the many auxiliary shrines instead. There are many ways to pray for prosperity —ringing the giant bell, writing your wishes in papers, carrying a heavy rock, or buying mini torii gates available for purchases everywhere. We did everything because I seriously need more prosperity and success in my life.

[tooltip text=”Send your wish to Inari” direction=”top”]Ema, votive tablets, are very popular in shrines and temples around Japan. Teenagers, expectant mothers, businessmen, and many others who have wishes they want to be fulfilled, will write these wishes on the ema and hang them up at the shrine where the kami (Shinto deities) can receive them. Although ema are usually rectangular, the ones at Fushimi Inari Taisha are in the shape of a fox, the messenger of the god, Inari. When you buy the fox shape ema for 500 yen, write your wish on the back. On the front, draw the face of a fox in any expression that delights you, and hangs it on the ema display racks with the Fox facing you. It’s interesting to peruse the completed ema and see all the creative ways people drew the face of the Fox –adding their own unique personal touches.[/tooltip]

Fox ema wooden wishing plaques at Fushimi Inari Shrine
“Ema” or wishing plaque are found at all shrines in Japan. Purchase some, write your wishes or prayers and hang it up on the shrine grounds to commemorate your visit.

Paper Omikuji Wishes at Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine in Kyoto Japan

Torii gates and Inari fox wish plates at fushimi inari taisha shrine

[tooltip text=”Will your dreams be fulfilled?” direction=”top”]If you would like to receive a prediction of the likelihood that you’ll achieve your wishes or dreams, visit the Okushahōhai-sho, a shrine hall where you will find two very special rocks. These ‘omokaru ishi’, or ‘heavy-light rocks’, are said to be able to predict the likelihood that you’ll achieve your dreams. After making a small donation into the donation box, you must then make a wish in front of the rocks before picking one up. If the rock is lighter than you thought it would be, the likelihood of your wish being fulfilled is high, and very soon. However, if the rock is heavier than you thought, your wish might take some time before it is realised. [/tooltip]

I would recommend making your souvenir purchases earlier on rather than later. We came around 2 pm, and by the time we trekked all the way atop the mountain and back down, it was already 6 pm, and all the shops were closed. Anyways, once we were done eating, viewing the many beautiful shrines, and cute souvenir shops, we made our way up the stairs through the 10,000 torii gates.

Torii Gates at Fushimi Inari Shrine

As you travel through the gates and enter the many small shrines, you will come across hundreds of stone foxes. The fox is considered the messenger of Inari, the god of rice, agriculture and industry, and stern bronze foxes (kitsune) can be seen throughout the shrine.  The key often seen in the fox’s mouths are for the rice granaries. Inari foxes are generally considered helpful, but the Japanese traditionally see the fox as a sacred figure capable of bewitching humans. 

Inari Fox rock at Fushimi Inari Shrine

Numerous Inari fox statues at Fushimi Inari Shrine

After a 30-45 minute ascent through Inari mountain and a gradual decrease in the density of torii gates, visitors will reach the Yotsutsūji intersection. It is halfway up the mountain. Here, you can enjoy a beautiful panoramic view overlooking Kyoto, rest, or like me, take photographs. There is also a cute café called Nishimura-tei, and a few other small restaurants to rest while you enjoy local fares such as inarizushi, matcha ice-cream, tea and other Japanese delights. From here, the trail splits into a circular route to the summit. Many hikers only venture as far as here, but for us, we went all the way. 

Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine with view of Kyoto

The main path is about a 2-hour walk to the top, starting at the bottom of the mountain at the main shrine complex. We spent around 3 hours just leisurely exploring the mountain path and enjoying its many small sub-shrines off the main pathway.

Steep flights of stair at Fushimi Inari Shrine

Secluded shrine in the Fushimi Inari forest

It is a long hike if you’re strolling around like us, but thankfully, there are many small shrines and seating areas along the way to rest your weary behind —and also some food and drinks at the small kiosks, and vending machines. Thank you, Japan for all our vending machine needs. 

Since we were taking our time to really enjoy Fushimi-Inari Shrine, the sun was slowly setting as we were halfway to the top, creating a mysterious, almost haunting experience, especially if you believe in the spirits of the forest (I do).

One of the many shrines at fushimi inari taisha shrine

People who wish to pray for happiness, success in business or exams, but don’t have a large pocket can buy smaller ornamental sized gate with their name painted on it. These tiny torri can be seen everywhere resting askew on the smaller sub-shrines, or graves, or stacked up on fences. Regretfully, I didn’t buy one, but the next time I go, I will definitely purchase a few to commemorate my visit.

older gentleman standing in front of many tiny shrines at fushimi inari taisha shrine

There’s a beautiful view of Kyoto near the top of the trail, and that is where most people end their journey, however, since we wanted to explore the whole of Fushimi Inari Shrine, we went all the way to the top.

Finished to the very top of fushimi inari taisha shrine trail

Trail map of fushimi inari taisha shrine

Trekking down the mountain when the sun has set, amid the many stone monuments and under the watchful eyes of the kitsune was a truly haunting experience. I wish I could have stayed longer, till dusk, when the tunnels of torii are lit up, but I’m just not brave enough to do an all night exploration.

Interesting shrine on the outskirts in fushimi inari taisha shrine

Komainu at fushimi inari taisha shrine gate

Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine, The Mountain with Ten Thousand Gates

stairs leading down beneath torri gates at fushimi inari taisha shrine

Etiquette at Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrines

Like many other Asian countries, Japan is very Conservative, no matter what you might think, based on anime or things you’ve heard/seen. Before visiting their many beautiful shrines in Kyoto, please take a look at this pamphlet provided by Kyoto Travel regarding shrine etiquette.

How to Get to Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine

Train

The shrine is located just outside JR Inari Station, the second station from Kyoto Station along the JR Nara Line. It is only 5 minutes away from Kyoto Station. Don’t worry too much if you miss a train, there are many trains leaving per hour.

Taxi

If you are leaving from Kyoto Station, it’s about 10 – 15 minutes to get to Fushimi Inari Shrine and costs between 1500 and 2000 yen. Address in Japanese: 京都市伏見区深草薮之内町68番地

Walking

If you are around the Fushimi Inari Station, you can reach the shrine by walking along the Keihan Main Line. From Kyoto Station to Fushimi Inari Taisha shrine, it’s a 45 minutes to an hour walk. Although this is the cheapest option and is quite doable, remember, you will be walking a lot at the shrine.

Bus

We took the Kyoto City Bus from the Kyoto station bus stop and was dropped at the Fushimi-Inari-Taisha bus stop.

Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine Opening Hours, Address and Fee

It is always open. Always. 

Address:
68 Yabunouchi-cho, Fukakusa Fushimi-ku, Kyoto
Tel.:075-641-7331
Fax: 075-642-2153

Entrance Fee: Free

Hours for prayers: 7:00-6:30 / 8:30-4:30

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Travel Guide to Fushimi Inari Shrine Kyoto Japan
Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine in Kyoto Japan

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Comments

  1. Sarah Lowrance says

    September 3, 2020 at 10:34 AM

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    Reply
  2. Amanda Kerr says

    February 10, 2020 at 11:52 AM

    Beautiful! My husband and I were suppose to go to Japan, however we have been travelling for awhile and learned all about travel burnout. So we didn’t end up travelling here. Looks amazing though. Good read. 🙂

    Reply
  3. Colt Fetters says

    January 9, 2020 at 5:47 PM

    Beautiful images! Hannah (my fiancee) and I have been wanting to travel to Japan to do some elopement photography. This looks like a perfect spot! Your photos and words make us want to do that even more. Keep it up! If you’re interested in our work, you can see it here: http://www.coltandhannah.com

    Reply
  4. Hollyshome says

    November 22, 2019 at 2:07 PM

    Your blog is beautiful! It’s been years since I’ve visited Kyoto. E have good friends there. I would love to visit!

    Reply
  5. Nidhi Gupta says

    October 19, 2019 at 11:00 PM

    Saving for future travels… definitely a must visit

    Reply
  6. Kristen says

    May 6, 2019 at 12:31 PM

    Such beautiful photographs! This looks like such a lovely place to visit.

    Reply
  7. Ifeoluwa says

    April 16, 2019 at 1:06 PM

    wow this gates are so beautiful! I can’t wait to visit sometime

    Reply
  8. Klaudia says

    April 14, 2019 at 7:45 PM

    these photos are absolutely stunning! i hope to visit someday 🙂

    Reply
  9. NATASHA D'ANNA says

    February 26, 2019 at 1:33 AM

    What an awesome thread of information for future travels. Thanks so much

    Reply
  10. Helen Neale says

    February 17, 2019 at 6:36 AM

    This blog is really helpful especially to those tourists who are looking for itinerary. I would definitely visit this when I go to Japan.

    Reply
  11. Laura Adney says

    February 6, 2019 at 3:33 PM

    Now I want to visit, it looks amazing there!

    Reply
  12. Kimmy Ripley (Give It A Whirl Girl) says

    February 6, 2019 at 10:42 AM

    Spectacular! I am so envious! Japan is number one on my bucket list of places I need to visit.

    Reply
  13. Trina Glimp says

    December 2, 2018 at 10:46 AM

    Hello would you mind stating which blog platform you're working with? I'm going to start my own blog in the near future but I'm having a tough time deciding between BlogEngine/Wordpress/B2evolution and Drupal. The reason I ask is because your layout seems different then most blogs and I'm looking for something completely unique. P.S Sorry for being off-topic but I had to ask!

    Reply
    • Yuen Mi | A Travel Diary says

      December 4, 2018 at 9:25 AM

      I'm using WordPress hosting with own domain purchased separately. Good luck with your blog 🙂

      Reply
  14. Bobbie Yvette Welch says

    September 4, 2018 at 8:56 PM

    WOW! The photos are Beautiful! And you covered everything so well. I would LOVE to visit, but, if I never get the chance I feel like I went there vicariously through you. Great post!

    Reply
    • Yuen Mi | A Travel Diary says

      September 5, 2018 at 9:48 AM

      Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it, and I do hope you get to visit Japan in the near future. It is a lovely country!

      Reply
  15. ANGIE says

    October 28, 2017 at 10:17 AM

    Oh so very interesting and very beautiful. I love learning about places far away that I may never of heard of
    thanks for sharing
    come see us at http://shopannies.blogspot.com

    Reply
  16. Ankit says

    October 25, 2017 at 6:52 AM

    I have never heard about this beuatiful shrine and will definately wants to visit in future.all pictures are beautiful

    Reply
  17. Apostolia says

    May 16, 2017 at 4:39 AM

    Wow! just wow! all these pictures just make me dream of traveling in japan! I really wish I could travel there one day, and I’m definitely going to visit Fushimi Inari Shrine!!!

    Reply
  18. OvenStruck says

    May 15, 2017 at 11:03 AM

    What an absolutely beautiful shrine! I would love to visit Japan someday. Your photos are gorgeous.. I find it interesting how the fox’s are regarded as being capable of bewitching humans, I didn’t know that! Learning about other cultures absolutely fascinates me.

    Reply
    • A Travel Diary (@a_travel_diary) says

      May 24, 2017 at 2:05 PM

      Japan is just a fascinating country in general. I love all their tales. But yes, I also do love learning the history of a country more than shopping or relaxing while travelling. It just adds so much more depth to what you’re seeing and doing.

      Reply
  19. Mr.M says

    May 7, 2017 at 12:39 AM

    This post is so wonderful! Thanks for sharing these amazing photos with us. I will have this beautiful shrine in mind when I visit Japan.

    Reply
  20. Fatima says

    May 6, 2017 at 11:00 AM

    Really enjoyed reading the post and it’s great that you have put up all the details. Would be really helpful to me when I’m there!

    Reply
  21. Lindsey says

    May 5, 2017 at 4:30 AM

    This shrine is absolutelt stunning. I would love to visit and explore China one day with my daughter, all for its culture and rich history.

    Reply
  22. Ankit Agarwal says

    May 4, 2017 at 10:20 AM

    Wow , just wow. the pictures and description is so awesome. Japan is a dream destination for me. I am going to keep this as my to do item on my visit. There are so many places to visit in japan now that I guess I will have to live their for a few years to complete my visit.

    Reply
  23. Carol Cassara says

    May 4, 2017 at 6:31 AM

    I would love to visit this shrine someday and see it in person. It’s beautiful and I’ve heard so many things about it. It’s definitely worth the trip!

    Reply
  24. Elizabeth O. says

    May 4, 2017 at 6:29 AM

    Seeing this was one of the highlights of our trip to Japan. It’s so beautiful and stunning and it will give you this sense of peace as well. It’s really quite an experience.

    Reply
  25. Kimberly C. says

    May 3, 2017 at 9:26 PM

    This is so different than what we are used to in the US, I love it. Love learning about new places and cultures. Your photos make me feel like I’ve been there too.

    Reply
    • A Travel Diary (@a_travel_diary) says

      May 11, 2017 at 7:49 PM

      Thank you. Same here, I am obsess with culture and history.

      Reply
  26. Rebecca Chun says

    May 3, 2017 at 9:58 AM

    Your photos are stunning! I miss Kyoto and the shrines. Reading your blog post was a trip down memory lane, and I wish I was there right now. When I went though, I was eaten alive by mosquitos, so people probably should take mosquito repellents too!

    Reply
    • A Travel Diary (@a_travel_diary) says

      May 11, 2017 at 7:48 PM

      Thank you! I miss it too, and I still get that nostalgic feeling every time I see posts on Kyoto. What month was that? I went just before spring so it was still a bit cold. Didn’t get any bites. Which is awesome. My blood is like their dessert, even with repellents, I still get eaten alive in the summer.

      Reply
  27. Love You Wedding says

    May 3, 2017 at 7:31 AM

    I would love to visit Kyoto Japan! It is a country with a rich culture and beautiful sights. The Shrines are a must see. I also love that you can leave a note or a prayer and hang it on the shrine grounds.

    Reply
  28. Yeu Doi says

    May 2, 2017 at 11:22 PM

    I loved this place. It was fun, spiritual and awesome. Took lots of photos and they looked great as well.

    Reply
  29. Claudia H. Blanton says

    May 2, 2017 at 6:24 PM

    while I have been all over the place (Europe and North America ) I have sadly not made it to Asia yet. It would be so much fun to visit that Shrine. Thanks for showing such a lovely space. Blessings!

    Reply
  30. alisonrost says

    May 2, 2017 at 6:20 PM

    I’m absolutely in awe of this place. The red of the Roman Gates is nothing short of stunning. I’ve never been to Japan .. but your post really makes me want to go!

    Reply
  31. Diane Hoffmaster says

    May 2, 2017 at 12:57 PM

    Whenever we travel, we always try for outdoorsy places and eat local foods when possible. This looks like an amazing place to visit!

    Reply
  32. Robin says

    May 2, 2017 at 12:39 PM

    I love love love Kyoto! It was my favorite city in Japan (besides Okunoshima of course!)

    Reply
  33. Ravi says

    May 2, 2017 at 12:25 PM

    The pictures look great, bright and lively. Looks a must visit place for tourists.Thanks for the description as well.

    Reply
  34. Ana De-Jesus says

    May 2, 2017 at 11:38 AM

    Now this is the side of Japan that I wish more travel bloggers focused on. As much as its urban demographic is cool, I am a big fan of rural insights into a countries history, customs and spiritual beliefs x

    Reply
  35. August Pfizenmayer says

    May 2, 2017 at 9:56 AM

    Wow! Your pictures are beautiful. I’ve never been to Japan, but I’m definitely putting it on my bucket list now.

    Reply
  36. motherhoodtherealdeal says

    May 2, 2017 at 6:09 AM

    Wow what an incredible place to visit thank you so much for taking me on your amazing journey with you and feeding my wanderlust after our long weekend!

    Reply
  37. Prateek Goel says

    May 2, 2017 at 12:56 AM

    Beautiful photographs… I’m loving it.. You are seriously a great photographer. Nicely curated blog!!

    Reply
  38. Rebecca Brianne says

    May 1, 2017 at 5:13 PM

    What an experience you gave us! You’re an amazing photographer and this was a very interesting story. Thank you for sharing!

    Best,
    Rebecca

    Reply
  39. Chelsea Elizabeth says

    May 1, 2017 at 2:31 PM

    It looks like a really great place to visit. The pictures are incredible and I’m sure you’ve made memories forever

    Reply

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