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Fushimi Inari Taisha: A Journey Through a Thousand Torii Gates

Explore Kyoto's iconic Shinto shrine with thousands of vermilion torii gates, dedicated to the god of rice and prosperity, Inari.

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Fushimi Inari Taisha is a captivating Shinto shrine in Kyoto, famed for its thousands of vibrant vermilion torii gates winding up Mount Inari. Dedicated to Inari, the god of rice, business, and prosperity, it offers a unique and immersive cultural experience. The mesmerizing tunnel of torii gates creates an iconic image of Japan, attracting visitors from across the globe.

A brief summary to Fushimi Inari Taisha Sembon Torii (Thousand Torii Gates)

Local tips

  • Visit early in the morning or late at night to avoid the crowds and enjoy a more peaceful experience.
  • Wear comfortable shoes for the hike up Mount Inari, which takes approximately 2-3 hours round trip.
  • Bring water and snacks, especially if hiking in the early morning or evening when shops may be closed.
  • Look for fox statues (kitsune), messengers of Inari, often holding keys to rice granaries.
  • Try local dishes like Inari sushi and Kitsune udon, featuring aburaage (fried tofu), a favorite of foxes.
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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 directly across from Inari Station. Note that rapid trains do not stop at Inari Station. Alternatively, take the Keihan Line to Fushimi Inari Station, followed by a short 5-7 minute walk east.

  • Walking

    From Keihan Fushimi Inari Station, exit and walk east for approximately 5-7 minutes. You'll pass through a temple town with souvenir shops and restaurants. Cross the Inari Bridge and the JR line crossing to reach the main approach to Fushimi Inari Taisha. No costs are associated with this option.

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Discover more about Fushimi Inari Taisha Sembon Torii (Thousand Torii Gates)

Fushimi Inari Taisha, also known as O-Inari-san, is the head shrine of Inari, the Shinto god of rice, agriculture, business prosperity, and good fortune. Established in 711 AD by the Hata clan, it was later moved to its current location in 816 AD. For over 1300 years, people have gathered here to pray for bountiful harvests, business success, family safety, and the fulfillment of wishes. The shrine is famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates that create a seemingly endless tunnel winding up the 233-meter-high Mount Inari. These gates are donated by individuals and businesses as a thank you to Inari or to seek good fortune; their names and the date of donation are inscribed on the back of each gate. The cost of a gate ranges from ¥400,000 to over ¥1,000,000 depending on the size. Foxes, or kitsune, are considered messengers of Inari, and statues of foxes can be seen throughout the shrine. Many hold a key in their mouths, symbolizing their role as protectors of rice granaries. Visitors can explore the main hall, Romon Gate (donated in 1589 by Toyotomi Hideyoshi), and the Senbon Torii, the starting point of the mountain trail. The hike to the summit takes about 2-3 hours, with smaller shrines and restaurants along the way offering local dishes like Inari sushi and Kitsune udon. Fushimi Inari Taisha is open 24 hours a day with no admission fee, making it accessible at any time. Visiting early in the morning or late at night is recommended to avoid crowds. The shrine is easily reached from Kyoto Station via the JR Nara Line to Inari Station, or the Keihan Line to Fushimi Inari Station.

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