Fushimi Inari Taisha Sembon Torii (Thousand Torii Gates)

Overview of Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine

Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine is a prominent Shinto shrine situated in the southern part of Kyoto, Japan. It is famous for its stunning vermilion torii gates that create picturesque trails leading up to the sacred Mount Inari. This shrine is dedicated to Inari, the Shinto deity associated with rice, prosperity, and commerce, making it a vital cultural and spiritual landmark in Japan.

Historical Background of Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine

Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine boasts a rich history that dates back to before Kyoto became the capital in 794. Initially located on Inariyama hill, the shrine was moved to its current location by the Hata family in 816. In 942, it was honored with the highest rank among Shinto shrines, and in 1499, the exquisite main shrine structure was constructed. The shrine’s lore includes fascinating tales, such as one involving a rice cake that transformed into a swan and flew to the peak of Mt. Inari.

Getting to Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine

Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine is conveniently reachable via public transport. It is just a three-minute walk from JR Inari Station on the JR Nara Line and a five-minute walk from Keihan Railway Fushimiinari Station. Visitors can also take the Keihan line from Sanjo Station, which takes approximately 10 minutes.

Highlights of Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine

• Senbon Torii: A breathtaking collection of thousands of vermilion torii gates donated by individuals and businesses, lining the trails behind the main buildings and ascending Mount Inari.
• Fox Statues: Numerous stone fox statues are found throughout the shrine grounds, representing Inari’s messengers and holding significant meaning in Shinto beliefs.
• Main Hall (Honden): The beautifully crafted main hall where visitors can pay their respects to the deity by making offerings.
• Mountain Trails: The hike to the summit of Mount Inari provides stunning vistas and an opportunity to explore the shrine’s extensive trail network.
• Yotsutsuji Intersection: A scenic midpoint on the hike offering lovely views over Kyoto, where visitors can choose to continue or turn back.
• Smaller Shrines: Various smaller shrines along the hiking path feature stacks of miniature torii gates donated by visitors with smaller budgets.

Admission Information

Entry to Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine is free, allowing visitors to explore the shrine and its torii gates at their leisure. The shrine office operates from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM for those wishing to make offerings or seek information.

Visiting Tips for Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine

• Plan Your Visit: Allocate at least 2 hours for your visit, and more if you intend to hike the entire trail up the hill.
• Show Respect: As an active Shinto shrine, it is important to be respectful of the grounds and fellow visitors, especially during busy times like the New Year.
• Donation Gates: The torii gates are donations, each inscribed with the donor’s name and date, adding to the shrine’s historical and cultural significance.
• Hiking: The hike to the summit takes about 2-3 hours, but visitors can walk as far as they wish before turning back. There are eateries along the way serving local dishes such as Inari Sushi and Kitsune Udon.
• Photography: Fushimi Inari Shrine is a dream for photographers. Plan your visit to capture iconic images, and consider using Google Translate to read the names of businesses that donated the gates.

Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine is an essential destination for anyone visiting Kyoto, offering a unique combination of history, culture, and natural beauty.