Fushimi Inari Taisha

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Fushimi Inari Taisha

“1000 Toriis(gate)” presents a grand spectacle with the beauty of a mysterious vermilion color.

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It is the head shrine of about 30,000 Inari shrines which are traditionally familiar throughout Japan and the god is worshiped for bountiful harvests of grain, business prosperity, the safety of households, recovery from illness, and wish fulfillment. This shrine was established in 711 AD.

The most noteworthy spot is “1000 Toriis”. Vermilion-colored Toriis stand in a queue making a tunnel behind the Main Hall. It is the beginning of history when worshippers donated Toriis with its wish and thankfulness for the god, now that over 10000 Toriis are placed in the whole Inari-Yama mountain. When you go through “1000 Torii”, you will find “Omokaru-Ishi” at the worship place of The rear shrine (located behind the main shrine). If you hold this stone with your wish and feel lighter than expected, it is said your wish will come true.

If you have time to explore more and want to raise your fortune more, “Oyama-meguri (going around in the mountain to visit small shrines)” is recommended. After visiting the Main Hall and going into “Inari-yama”, you will find a “Tsuka (mound)”, which is said to give benefits related to the health of body parts such as the eye or throat by touching. This mountain is 233 m high and walking around the mountain for 4 km takes you about 2 hours to reach the goal.

There are many stone statues of a fox which is believed to be a messenger from God. It is also fun searching for various types of foxes. In this shrine, Ema (a votive picture tablet) is shaped like a fox. You will enjoy drawing a face freely on the tablet.

Highlights

  • It is the head shrine with a history of over 1300 years and those local shrines are familiar throughout Japan.
  • This shrine gives benefits of bountiful harvests of grain, business prosperity, safety of households, recovery from illness, and wish fulfillment.
  • “1000 Toriis (gate)” standing in a queue and making a tunnel are popular and many tourists from other countries visit.
  • For those who want to improve their fortune more, “Oyama-meguri”, visiting a small shrine or places of worship in the mountain is recommended.

Photos

  • Fushimi Inari Taisha is a popular spot where many tourists from other countries visit.

    Fushimi Inari Taisha is a popular spot where many tourists from other countries visit.

  • After going through “Ni no Totii”, you will find “Romon-gate(a tower gate)” which was built by Toyotomi Hideyoshi(1585-1592), Japanese military commander, for his mother’s recovery from illness.

    After going through “Ni no Totii”, you will find “Romon-gate(a tower gate)” which was built by Toyotomi Hideyoshi(1585-1592), Japanese military commander, for his mother’s recovery from illness.

  • “Senbon-Torii” is filled with a mysterious atmosphere.

    “Senbon-Torii” is filled with a mysterious atmosphere.

  • Your fortune depends on how heavy this stone is, “Omokaru-ishi”. If you feel heavier than expected, your wish may be hard to come true.

    Your fortune depends on how heavy this stone is, “Omokaru-ishi”. If you feel heavier than expected, your wish may be hard to come true.

  • A messenger from the god, fox. A charm is produced with this animal motif.

    A messenger from the god, fox. A charm is produced with this animal motif.

  • Fushimi Inari Taisha. A messenger from the god, fox.

    Fushimi Inari Taisha. A messenger from the god, fox.

Reviews

16

Some reviews are AI-translated.

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    Fushimi Inari Taisha in Kyoto is a classic attraction that many people consider a must-visit when they come to Kyoto. The shrine has a long history and primarily enshrines Inari Okami, who is associated with abundant harvests, thriving businesses, and prosperity. As you enter the shrine, you can see many stone fox statues along the way. Foxes are considered messengers of Inari Okami and seem to welcome worshippers at the entrance.

    The biggest draw is undoubtedly the famous Senbon Torii. One vermilion torii gate after another stretches along the mountain path, creating a very distinctive sight and making it a popular spot for photos. However, it does get very crowded, so if you want to worship and take photos at a leisurely pace, I recommend arriving early to avoid peak hours.

    After your visit, you can also browse the nearby shopping street. I still remember visiting last winter, when it was so cold that I just wanted to find somewhere to warm up. I went into a shop to enjoy the heat and ordered a piping-hot bowl of zenzai, sweet red bean soup with mochi. Its sweet, warm flavor was especially memorable.

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    Fushimi Inari Taisha really is one of Kyoto’s classic sights and is well worth visiting at least once. Probably because it’s so famous, the approach and shopping street at the foot of the mountain are almost always bustling. If you want a quieter visit, I highly recommend coming early, seeing the shrine and walking through the Senbon Torii first. By the time you come back down, the shops will be starting to open, so you can grab something to eat, recharge, and then continue with your next activity.

    The shrine’s most iconic feature is, of course, the Senbon Torii. Rows of vermilion torii gates stretch all the way into the mountain, and actually walking through them is still very impressive. Once, I really did climb all the way up Mount Inari to the area around Ichinomine, near the summit. I have to say, the scenery on the mountain itself isn’t especially spectacular, but the atmosphere is completely different from below. At the bottom, there are still tourists, shops, and bustling crowds, but it gets quieter the higher you go. Eventually, all that’s left is the forest, torii gates, and small shrines, creating an even stronger sense of mystery.

    There’s also the famous “Omokaru Stone” next to the Okusha Hohaisho. First, make a wish in front of the stone lantern, then lift the round stone on top. If it feels lighter than you imagined, it means your wish is more likely to come true. If it feels heavier than expected, it means you may need to put in more effort. When I lifted it, all I could think was that it was pretty heavy. Apparently, the problem wasn’t the stone—my wish was just too heavy.

    What truly makes Fushimi Inari Taisha special isn’t just the Senbon Torii itself, but also the fox messengers seen everywhere. If time and energy allow, I recommend not stopping at the first section of the Senbon Torii. Walk at least a little farther up, and you’ll see a completely different side of Fushimi Inari Taisha.

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    After 10 years, I returned to this classic must-visit spot in Kyoto.

    Although it was already close to evening when I arrived, there was still a steady stream of people, and it was very lively!

    Getting a good photo of the torii gates really comes down to being quick and precise—you have to catch that brief moment when there are the fewest people and quickly press the shutter.

    Unfortunately, I had other plans afterward, so I couldn't follow the torii gates all the way up this time. I look forward to trying next time!

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    The shrine is famous for its Senbon Torii, a pathway made up of thousands of vermilion torii gates winding through Mount Inari. The spectacular, mysterious trail draws countless visitors who come to make a pilgrimage and take photos. The grounds also feature many stone fox statues symbolizing the messengers of the Inari deity, adding to the shrine’s rich cultural character.

    A walk along the mountain trail offers beautiful natural scenery and a peaceful, solemn atmosphere. Whether you’re praying for career success and good fortune or looking to immerse yourself in Japanese shrine culture, Fushimi Inari Taisha offers an unforgettable experience. It’s an iconic Kyoto attraction you shouldn’t miss.

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    A classic Kyoto attraction! The long rows of Senbon Torii stretching all the way up the mountain are really unique.

Details

Name in Japanese
伏見稲荷大社
Postal Code
612-0882
Address
68 Fukakusayabunouchi-Cho, Fushimi-Ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto
Telephone
075-641-7331
Holiday
Open every day
Hours
Not specified ( the time for prayer and the conferment place: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm).
Admission
Free
Directions
1) A few-minute walk from Inari station on JR Fushimi Line.
2) A 5-minute walk from Fushimi-Inari Station on the Keihan Line.
Official Website
Official Website (English)
Hokkaido Tohoku Kanto Chubu Hokuriku Kansai Chugoku Shikoku Kyushu Okinawa