Inariyama: Sacred Mountain of Fushimi Inari

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Hike through thousands of vermilion torii gates to the sacred summit of Inariyama, home to Kyoto's iconic Fushimi Inari Shrine.

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Inariyama

Inariyama is the 233-meter-high mountain that is home to Fushimi Inari Taisha, a prominent Shinto shrine in Kyoto, Japan, famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates. Hiking to the summit offers a unique cultural and spiritual experience, with smaller shrines and stunning views along the way.

A brief summary to Inariyama

Inariyamakanyuchi, Kyoto, Inariyamakanyuchi, Fushimi Ward, Kyoto, JP

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Inariyama.

Visit early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid the crowds and enjoy a more peaceful experience.
Wear comfortable shoes, as the hike involves a lot of walking and stair climbing.
Bring water, especially during the summer months, to stay hydrated during the hike.
Take your time to explore the smaller shrines and statues along the way, and be respectful of the sacred environment.
Enjoy local cuisine like Inari Sushi and Kitsune Udon at the restaurants along the trail.

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Getting There

Public Transport

From Kyoto Station, take the JR Nara Line to Inari Station (5 minutes, ¥150). The shrine entrance is a short walk from the station. Alternatively, take the Keihan Main Line to Fushimi Inari Station, also a short walk to the entrance. Ensure the JR train stops at Inari Station, as only local trains stop there.
Walking

From Keihan Fushimi Inari Station, exit and walk east for a few minutes. The entrance to Fushimi Inari Shrine will be clearly visible. Follow the signs towards the Romon Gate and the main shrine buildings.

Discover more about Inariyama

Inariyama, standing at 233 meters, is the mountain that encompasses the Fushimi Inari Taisha shrine, one of the most iconic and important Shinto shrines in Kyoto. Known as Mitsugamine (Three Peaks), Inariyama is the southernmost of the 36 peaks of Higashiyama and has three peaks: Sannomine, Ninomine, and Ichinomine. Since its founding in 711 AD, the shrine has been a major pilgrimage destination and a symbol of Kyoto's religious heritage.The mountain itself is considered a sacred space, and a network of trails leads to the summit, passing through thousands of vermilion torii gates. These gates, donated by individuals and businesses, represent wishes for good fortune and success. Foxes, or kitsune, are considered messengers of the gods and are found in statues throughout the mountain. The mountain has numerous smaller shrines (hokora), sites of former shrines (shinseki), and worshiping stones engraved with deities' names (otsuka).The hike to the summit takes approximately 2-3 hours, but visitors can walk as far as they wish. The Yotsutsuji intersection, about halfway up the mountain, offers panoramic views of Kyoto. Along the route, restaurants offer local dishes such as Inari Sushi and Kitsune Udon, featuring fried tofu, said to be a favorite food of foxes. Climbing Inariyama provides not only a physical journey but also a spiritual and cultural immersion into the heart of traditional Japan.