Fushimi Inari Shrine

Fushimi Inari shrine is located in Southern Kyoto. It is famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates that stand close together and make a red tunnel up through the mountain forest.

This shrine was established for the Shinto god of rice, Inari, in 711, before Kyoto was the capital of Japan. The path leads up the mountain then does a circuit at the top. The most closely placed gates are at the bottom of the mountain and they become more spread out the further up you go.

We were surprised how long it took to hike up the mountain, it takes 2 to 3 hours. Of course, you can turn around at any time and there are a couple of points where the trail splits off and travels back down the mountain.

There are a lots of statues of foxes as they are thought to be Inari’s messengers. They often have a key, ball or sheaf of rice in their mouth.

There are stalls on the mountain selling drinks and sake, however, most of the food stalls can be found at the bottom of the mountain.

Who would enjoy this…

The boys enjoyed walking up the mountain at Fushimi Inari shrine. Think of this site as a mountain walk/hike rather than just another shrine. As you travel up the mountain and the torii gates become less densley packed you can enjoy the mountain forest. I have to admit that we didn’t make it to the top as the kids had enough walking for one day. They enjoyed it and we were glad that we went but it was at the end of a long day so after we reached half way we founds some snacks and drinks before heading home.

It is highly recommended to do this climb early in the morning to see the city in the morning light and avoid the crowds, which also means you have the rest of the day to explore other parts of Kyoto!

How to get here

In Kyoto there are many types of transport including bus, train, subway and taxi. Most of the sites are easier to access via bus, however, Fushimi Inari shrine is right across from the JR Inari station so in this case, train is the easiest option. Catch a train on the Nara line (not a rapid service) and Inari is the second station from Kyoto station.

Need more info?

Fushimi Inari Shrine – As always Japan guide has awesome information about visiting this site.
Inside Kyoto Fushimi Inari Shrine
Travelling to and around Kyoto

While in Kyoto check out…

Arashiyama including the bamboo forest
Eastern Kyoto including the silver pavilion, philosophers walk, Gion district and traditional streets.
Nishiki market
Kinkakuji the Golden Pavilion