Fushimi Inari Taisha
The Shrine of Ten Thousand Torii Gates
Founded in 711 AD, Fushimi Inari Taisha is the head shrine of Inari, the Shinto god of rice, prosperity, and business. With over 1,300 years of history, it stands as one of the most important and ancient Shinto shrines in Japan.
The iconic thousands of vermillion torii gates were donated by individuals and businesses seeking blessings for prosperity. Each gate bears the donor's name and date of donation, creating a tradition that continues today. The practice began in the Edo period and has resulted in over 10,000 torii gates spanning the trails up Mount Inari.
The shrine is dedicated to Inari Okami, represented by fox messengers (kitsune). These fox statues, often holding keys or jewels in their mouths, are found throughout the shrine grounds and are believed to be the guardians and messengers of the harvest deity.
Key Highlights
- Over 1,300 years of history since 711 AD
- More than 10,000 vermillion torii gates
- Head shrine of 30,000 Inari shrines across Japan
- Fox statues as sacred messengers
- Trails extending 4km up Mount Inari
- Most popular shrine for foreign visitors
Access Information
Location
68 Fukakusa Yabunouchicho, Fushimi Ward, Kyoto 612-0882, Japan
Nearest Stations
- • Inari Station (JR Nara Line) - 1 min walk
- • Fushimi-Inari Station (Keihan Line) - 5 min walk
Opening Hours
Open 24 hours (main buildings close at dusk)
Admission Fee
Free admission
How to Get There
From Kyoto Station
JR Nara Line to Inari Station
5 minutes
From Osaka
JR or Keihan Line via Kyoto
50 minutes
From Tokyo
Shinkansen to Kyoto, then JR Nara Line
2.5 hours
Tips & Visiting Guide
Make the most of your visit with these helpful tips and guidelines.
Best Time to Visit
Early morning (before 8 AM) or evening after sunset offers fewer crowds and magical lighting through the torii gates. The shrine is open 24 hours, making dawn and twilight visits possible.
Hiking the Full Trail
The round trip to the summit takes 2-3 hours. The most photographed Senbon Torii (Thousand Gates) section is just 10-15 minutes from the entrance. You can turn back at any point.
Fox Statues and Offerings
Look for fox statues (kitsune) holding keys, jewels, or scrolls. You can purchase small torii gates (¥5,000-¥1,000,000) to donate and have your wish inscribed.
Photography Etiquette
Photography is allowed throughout the grounds. The Senbon Torii tunnel is extremely popular - be patient and respectful of other visitors taking photos.
Try Inari Sushi
The area is famous for Inari-zushi (sushi rice in sweet fried tofu pouches), named after the shrine. Many shops along the approach sell this local specialty.
Wear Comfortable Shoes
The mountain trail involves many stone steps and uneven paths. Wear comfortable walking shoes, especially if you plan to hike to the summit.
Purification Ritual
Before entering, cleanse your hands and mouth at the temizuya (purification fountain): rinse left hand, right hand, pour water into hand for mouth rinse, then rinse the ladle.
Offerings and Omikuji
Make offerings at the main hall by tossing a coin, bowing twice, clapping twice, and bowing once. Try your fortune with omikuji (fortune papers) available for ¥100-200.
FAQ
How long should I spend at Fushimi Inari?
Most visitors spend 1-2 hours exploring the lower sections and famous torii gate tunnels. If you hike to the summit of Mount Inari, plan for 2-3 hours total. Even just 30-45 minutes is enough to see the iconic Senbon Torii gates and main shrine buildings.
Is Fushimi Inari crowded?
Yes, extremely crowded during daytime, especially 10am-4pm and on weekends. Early morning before 8am or evening after 6pm offers dramatically fewer crowds. The higher you climb up the mountain, the fewer people you'll encounter. Avoid Japanese holidays and cherry blossom season for smaller crowds.
Do I need to hike all the way to the top?
No, you can turn back at any point. The most famous photo spot, Senbon Torii tunnel, is just 10-15 minutes from the entrance. Many visitors only explore the lower sections. The summit offers nice views but isn't essential for experiencing the shrine's beauty.
Is Fushimi Inari suitable for children and elderly visitors?
The lower shrine area and initial torii gate section are accessible for all ages with paved paths. However, the mountain trail involves steep stone steps and uneven terrain, which can be challenging for young children and elderly visitors. Strollers are not practical beyond the main shrine area.
Can I visit Fushimi Inari at night?
Yes, the shrine grounds are open 24 hours. Evening and night visits offer a mystical atmosphere with far fewer crowds, though some areas are dimly lit. The torii gates are not illuminated, so bring a phone light if hiking trails. The main buildings close at dusk, but the gates remain accessible.
How difficult is the hike to the summit?
Moderate difficulty with many stone steps and a 233-meter elevation gain over 4km. The trail is well-maintained but involves continuous climbing. Average fitness level is sufficient, but it can be tiring in hot weather. Rest points and small shrines dot the route for breaks.
Are there restrooms and facilities on the trail?
Yes, clean public restrooms are available at the entrance, partway up the mountain at Yotsutsuji intersection, and near the summit. Small tea houses along the trail sell drinks and snacks. No major facilities exist at the very top, so use restrooms at rest points.
Is there a dress code at Fushimi Inari?
No strict dress code, but modest clothing is respectful. Avoid overly revealing outfits like short shorts or tank tops when entering shrine buildings. Most importantly, wear comfortable walking shoes if you plan to hike. The trails can be slippery after rain.
Can I take photos everywhere in the shrine?
Yes, photography is allowed throughout Fushimi Inari, including inside the torii gate tunnels. Be respectful of other visitors, especially in the crowded Senbon Torii section where people wait for photos. Tripods are allowed but can obstruct narrow pathways during busy times.
Do I need to speak Japanese to visit?
No, Fushimi Inari is very foreigner-friendly with English signage at major points. The shrine layout is straightforward to navigate. Some tea houses and shops have limited English, but pointing and gestures work well. Information boards explain the shrine's significance in multiple languages.
What should I not miss at Fushimi Inari?
Don't miss the Senbon Torii tunnel (the iconic red gate corridor), fox statues with different objects in their mouths throughout the grounds, and the view from Yotsutsuji intersection halfway up. Try Inari-zushi from shops on the approach, and participate in a proper shrine prayer at the main hall.
Is Fushimi Inari worth visiting if I've seen other shrines?
Absolutely. Fushimi Inari is completely unique with its thousands of torii gates creating tunnel pathways up a mountain. No other shrine in Japan offers this experience at this scale. Even if you've visited many shrines, the vermillion gate corridors are unlike anything else.
What's the best season to visit Fushimi Inari?
Fushimi Inari is beautiful year-round. Autumn (November) offers pleasant weather and fewer crowds than spring. Winter provides crisp photo lighting with occasional snow. Spring brings cherry blossoms but maximum crowds. Summer can be hot and humid for hiking. Early morning in any season is ideal.
Are there English-speaking guides available?
While the shrine itself doesn't provide official English guides, you can book private English-speaking guides through tour companies in Kyoto. Many visitors find the shrine self-explanatory with multilingual information boards. Audio guide apps are also available for smartphone download.
Can I buy omamori (amulets) and what do they cost?
Yes, the shrine office sells various omamori for different purposes - business success, safe travels, academic achievement, etc. Prices range from ¥500-1,000. You can also purchase miniature torii gates to donate (starting at ¥5,000) and ema (wooden prayer plaques) for around ¥500.
What other attractions are nearby?
Tofuku-ji Temple (famous for autumn colors) is 10 minutes away. The Fushimi Sake District with breweries and tastings is 15 minutes south. Kiyomizu-dera Temple and Gion District are 20-30 minutes north by train. You can easily combine Fushimi Inari with eastern Kyoto attractions in one day.
Is there somewhere to store luggage near the shrine?
Yes, coin lockers are available at JR Inari Station (small to large sizes, ¥300-700). Keihan Fushimi-Inari Station also has lockers. Some shops near the entrance offer luggage storage for a fee. Kyoto Station, 5 minutes away by train, has extensive locker facilities and luggage storage services.
Can I visit in the rain?
Yes, but bring rain gear as the trail has limited shelter. The vermillion gates actually look stunning with rain creating a moody atmosphere and fewer crowds. Stone steps can be slippery when wet, so wear shoes with good traction. The shrine remains open in all weather conditions.
Are there food and drink options at the shrine?
Small tea houses along the mountain trail sell drinks, ice cream, and light snacks like amazake (sweet rice drink) and grilled mochi. Prices are reasonable (¥200-500 for drinks). The approach to the shrine has restaurants serving Inari-zushi, udon, and other Kyoto specialties. Bring water if hiking in summer.
How do I properly pray at the shrine?
First, purify at the water basin. At the main hall, toss a coin (any amount), bow twice deeply, clap your hands twice, make your wish silently, then bow once more. This is the standard Shinto prayer ritual. Don't worry if you're unsure - watching other visitors and following along is completely acceptable.
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