14th March 2023
Fushimi Inari Taisha
Fushimi Ward, Kyoto, 612-0882, Japan
Located in the southeast of Kyoto, this huge Shinto shrine area is famous for its iconic ‘ten thousand’ Torii gates lining hiking trails up and around Mount Inariyama. From our hotel (Hotel Tavinos), we walked to Kyoto station, we travelled on the local San In JR rail line from Kyoto station to Inari Station, which was included in with our JR Pass. There are other, more convenient (depending on where you’re staying) train lines run by private companies, but those are not included in the JR Pass.
Fushimi Inari Taisha is the head Inari shrine. Inari Okami is worshipped as a deity who ‘provides food, clothing and housing that support life and who brings abundance and joy’. It was established in 711AD which is said to be the year when Inari Okami took up residence here and has been an important site since. The hiking trails lead around the forested areas of the mountain and all along are picturesque shrines, statues of Shinto deities, and many, many statues of foxes. The statues often have hats and bibs, offerings from worshippers and red being the chosen colour as it is believed to protect from evil.
The bright vermillion Torii gates, which are symbols of entering sacred spaces, are donated by companies and individuals, with their names inscribed on the back of each gate. They are bought to show gratitude to the gods for success and accomplishments.
It took us around 5 hours to get up to the top and back down – starting around 2pm and reaching the bottom around 7pm. We took our time to explore and enjoy. It was quite busy at the start and amongst the initial temple buildings gradually getting less busy the higher up one climbs. It is well worth the climb to the top, if you are able, to experience the serenity of the upper areas.
As one climbs up the mountain, there are viewpoints and openings in the trees giving panoramic views of the city below and the mountain range opposite. We made our way up to the top and on the way back, waited to witness one of the most stunning sunsets I’ve ever seen.
There is a harmony with the natural world that Fushimi Inari sits in, with lichen, moss and fungi adorning gates, lanterns, some of the clothing of the statues. The place feels alive with culture, symbolism and natural beauty. It is little wonder that Fushimi Inari Taisha is one of the most iconic sites of Japan.
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