Kyoto, a city popular for its beautiful cityscape and the ability to experience Japan's long-standing history. From 794 to 1868, Kyoto served as the capital of Japan and the residence of the emperor for an extended period. Throughout this long history, Kyoto's unique elegant culture developed and has been passed down to the present day.
There are over 2,000 shrines and temples within Kyoto Prefecture, and 17 spots are registered as World Cultural Heritage sites, including "Kiyomizudera" and "Daigoji."
This time, we will introduce one of the most famous shrines among the numerous shrines and temples, "Fushimi Inari Taisha." With over 1300 years of history, it is famous for having numerous traditional shrine gates called "Torii," which is known to every Japanese person.
To help you fully enjoy Fushimi Inari Taisha, we will introduce the highlights and points to note in detail.
A Brief History of Fushimi Inari Taisha
Fushimi Inari Taisha was founded in 711, even before Kyoto became the capital.
The name "Inari" is said to come from the phrase "Ineganaru," which means abundant harvest, indicating that it was initially worshipped as a god of agriculture. Over time, in addition to the original worship, it is now revered as a god of prosperity in business and family safety.
In fact, there are about 30,000 "Inari Shrines" throughout Japan, and Fushimi Inari Taisha is considered their origin.
Fushimi Inari Taisha was once destroyed by civil war in 1468. It was later rebuilt with donations from across the country, and it is said that traveling around the country to seek donations influenced the spread of Inari shrines nationwide.
3 Must-See Highlights at Fushimi Inari Taisha
Here are three highlights you shouldn't miss when visiting Fushimi Inari Taisha.
When Japanese people hear "Fushimi Inari Taisha," everyone thinks of "Senbon Torii" (Thousand Torii Gates). It's a beautiful and solemn structure designated by the government as an "Important Cultural Property" with high historical value. And the "Fox Statues" you encounter in the shrine grounds are also a representative feature of Fushimi Inari Taisha.
Knowing the characteristics, historical background, and meaning of each will undoubtedly make your visit more meaningful.
"Senbon Torii," the Symbol of Fushimi Inari
Normally, "Torii" gates are built as entrances to shrines, but at Fushimi Inari Taisha, there are countless Torii gates. All of these were dedicated as offerings to the gods in gratitude when wishes were fulfilled. The culture of dedicating Torii gates began around 1700 and continues to this day.
The group of Torii gates that stand closely together like a tunnel leading to the shrine grounds is called "Senbon Torii" (Thousand Torii Gates). The sight of vermilion-colored Torii gates, painted in a color believed to ward off evil, standing in a row is breathtaking. The name "Senbon" (thousand) in the name doesn't mean there are exactly 1,000 gates, but rather "countless."
Apart from the Torii gates that stand like a tunnel, there are many other dedicated Torii gates in the shrine grounds. The number is so vast that even Fushimi Inari Taisha itself doesn't know the exact count, with estimates suggesting over ten thousand.
This beautiful scenery attracts many visitors to Kyoto specifically to see it.
Important Cultural Properties: Romon Gate, Main Hall, and Other Structures
Fushimi Inari Taisha has multiple structures designated as "Important Cultural Properties" by the government, considered valuable and important tangible cultural assets.
The "Romon" (Tower Gate), which is the main gate of Fushimi Inari Taisha, is said to be the oldest and largest gate in Kyoto city. It is said to have been built by "Toyotomi Hideyoshi," one of the most important figures in Japanese history. This gate, along with the "North-South Corridor" extending to its left and right, is registered as an Important Cultural Property.
The "Outer Worship Hall," "Inner Worship Hall," and "Main Hall" that you see after passing through the Romon are all Important Cultural Properties. The Outer Worship Hall is used to display offerings during festivals and as a stage for sacred music and dance. The Inner Worship Hall and Main Hall are connected, and visitors ring a bell and pray at the Inner Worship Hall.
All of these are painted in vibrant vermilion and decorated with gorgeous golden ornaments, making them luxurious and elegant structures. A characteristic of these buildings is that they are all arranged in a straight line from the entrance. Be sure to check them out when you visit.
"Fox Statues," Messengers of the Inari God
There are several "Fox Statues" at Fushimi Inari Taisha. Foxes are called "Kenzoku," meaning they are considered messengers of the gods enshrined in Inari shrines.
Japanese people have long regarded foxes as sacred animals. However, foxes as messengers of the gods are invisible, like the gods themselves, and are revered as "Byakko" (white foxes), written in Chinese characters meaning white fox to imply transparency. They are affectionately called "Byakko-san."
The fox statues enshrined in the grounds all have different faces, atmospheres, and items in their mouths. Take a close look at each statue. You should find foxes holding rice ears, keys, jewels, and scrolls in their mouths. These items have meanings related to abundant harvest and the powers of the gods.
Not only the items in their mouths but also their faces and atmospheres vary, from dignified to gentle, offering a rich variety.
At Fushimi Inari, Even the Ema are Fox-Shaped!
source：Jalan
Shrines have wooden plaques called "Ema" where people write their wishes or gratitude for fulfilled wishes to offer to the gods.
It was believed that gods came to the human world on horseback, so live horses, or alternatively, horses made of clay or wood, or pictures of horses were offered. This led to the modern Ema.
Ema typically have a picture on the front and a space on the back to write wishes, thanks, names, and addresses. While horse pictures are common, various types of Ema exist depending on the shrine.
At Fushimi Inari Taisha, fox-shaped Ema are available. You can freely draw expressions on them, so try writing your wishes or thanks to the gods as a memento of your trip.
"Omokaru Stone" That Reveals if Your Wish Will Come True
Fushimi Inari Taisha has a stone called "Omokaru Stone." This is a unique attraction not found in other shrines. This intriguing stone is said to reveal whether your wish will come true or not.
The marker for the Omokaru Stone is a pair of stone lanterns located at the right back of the "Okuin" (Inner Shrine) called "Okusha Houhai-sho" after passing through the Senbon Torii. The round stone on top of these lanterns can be lifted.
After making a wish in your heart, you lift the round stone. If the stone feels lighter than you imagined, it's said that your wish will come true. Conversely, if it feels heavier than expected, it means you need to put in more effort to make your wish come true.
Try lifting the Omokaru Stone to see if your wish will come true. It's a tense moment to see whether it feels light or heavy.
How to Efficiently Tour the Highlights of Fushimi Inari Taisha
source: Official website
Fushimi Inari Taisha is filled with several Important Cultural Properties and attractive spots. Therefore, it takes time to tour everything, including Mount Inari. It's recommended to plan your worship route considering time and physical stamina.
We will now propose two courses.
One is a course that selects essential representative spots to visit without spending too much time. The other is a course that fully enjoys Fushimi Inari Taisha, covering the entire area including Mount Inari.
Both are sure to result in a fulfilling visit.
"Time-Saving Course" Covering Key Points Quickly
First, we'll introduce a course that covers must-see spots in 30 minutes. This course goes from the main hall through the Senbon Torii to the Okusha Houhai-sho where the Omokaru Stone is located. The Okusha Houhai-sho was built for "Youhai," which means worshipping mountain gods from afar.
Start by passing through the Romon gate and worship at the Inner Worship Hall. After worship, proceed to the left back. Climbing the stairs behind the Torii gate, you'll find about 70 large Torii gates lined up. Past this, you'll arrive at the Senbon Torii.
The sight of vivid vermilion Torii gates standing closely together is much more fantastical and beautiful than in photos, giving you a sense of entering another world.
The Senbon Torii splits into two paths, but unless there are specific left-right instructions during crowded times, you can choose either path.
After passing through the Senbon Torii, you'll arrive at the Okusha Houhai-sho where the Omokaru Stone is located. Here, worship the mountain gods from afar, then return by passing through the Senbon Torii again.
"Leisurely Course" Conquering the Highlights of Mount Inari
Next, we'll introduce a course that lets you take your time to see the highlights of Mount Inari, where Fushimi Inari Taisha is located. Touring the entire mountain for worship is called "Oyama Meguri." The route is about 4 kilometers long and takes about 2 hours. While mountain climbing equipment isn't necessary, please wear comfortable shoes, easy-to-move clothes, and bring sufficient water.
The Oyama Meguri starts after passing through the Senbon Torii. From the Okusha Houhai-sho where the Omokaru Stone is located, you'll climb stone steps and slopes. The atmosphere changes dramatically here, and you can feel the quietness of nature.
"Yotsutsuji," located midway along the path, offers a good view and has a tea house where you can rest while overlooking southern Kyoto city. The path splits from here, but whichever way you go, you'll make a loop and return to Yotsutsuji.
To reach the "Ichinominekamisha" at the mountain peak, there's a series of steep stairs at the end. Located at an altitude of 233m, it's the highest point of Mount Inari. There are also shrines and shops scattered between Yotsutsuji and the peak, so you can enjoy the Oyama Meguri at a leisurely pace with breaks.
Recommended: Take a Break at "Inari Saryo"
When descending from Mount Inari, it's recommended to take a break at "Inari Saryo." This is a rest area where you can see cherry blossoms in spring and autumn leaves in fall, and enjoy sweets made by a long-established Japanese tea shop.
You can taste rich matcha ice cream and parfaits typical of Kyoto, as well as fragrant matcha and Japanese sweets.
Access of Fushimi Inari Taisya
<Fushimi Inari Taisha>
Address: 68 Fukakusa Yabunouchicho, Fushimi Ward, Kyoto
Access: Right at JR "Inari Station"
7 minutes walk from City Bus "Inari Taisha-mae"
5 minutes walk from Keihan Electric Railway "Fushimi Inari" Station
Hours: No closing time
Prayer and service hours 8:30-16:30
Closed: None
Phone: 075-641-7331
Admission: Free
Official website
2 Recommended Tourist Spots to Visit Along with Fushimi Inari Taisha
Here, we'll introduce two recommended tourist spots that you can enjoy along with your visit to Fushimi Inari Taisha. Both are very popular among domestic and international tourists, filled with charms typical of Kyoto.
"Tofukuji," a Zen temple representative of Kyoto surrounded by maple trees, is a temple full of beautiful charms that shows different expressions each season. "Daigoji," registered as a World Heritage site, is known for its numerous national treasures and important cultural properties.
These are easily accessible from Fushimi Inari Taisha, and you can move smoothly by taxi. Enjoy the unique charms of each tourist spot.
"Tofukuji," One of Kyoto's Finest Autumn Foliage Spots
source: Official website
"Tofukuji," a temple of the "Zen" Buddhist sect that emphasizes seated meditation practice, is widely known for its beautiful autumn foliage. Another feature is its building, which is one of the largest Zen temples. It houses historical buildings designated as Important Cultural Properties and over 5,000 cultural properties including National Treasures.
There's a ravine crossing the temple grounds from east to west, with a stream flowing through it. The view from three bridges over this ravine is breathtakingly beautiful. The ravine is covered with maple trees, which turn into a vivid autumn foliage in fall, creating a spectacular landscape. The combination of historical buildings and beautiful nature continues to fascinate visitors.
The four gardens in the "Honbo" (main priest's quarters) are also beautiful and recommended for tourists. Along with the autumn foliage, you can enjoy Japanese-style gardens skillfully created using moss, rocks, and stones.
<Tofukuji>
Address: 778 Honmachi, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto
Access: 10 minutes walk from JR/Keihan Electric Railway "Tofukuji" Station
8 minutes walk from Keihan Electric Railway "Tofuku-ji" Station
10 minutes walk from City Bus "Tofukuji"
Hours: 4/1-10/31 9:00-16:00
11/1-12/1 8:30-16:00
12/2-3/31 9:00-15:30
Closed: None
Phone: 075-561-0087
Admission: Tofukuji Honbo Garden/
Adults 500 yen, Children 300 yen
Tsutenkyo Bridge and Founder's Hall/
Adults 600 yen, Children 300 yen
(Only 11/9-12/1, Adults 1,000 yen, Children 300 yen)
Combined admission ticket/
Adults 1,000 yen, Children 500 yen
(No combined admission ticket from 11/9-12/8)
Official website
"Daigoji," Registered as a World Cultural Heritage Site
"Daigoji," founded in 874, was registered as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site in 1994. It's a vast temple that considers the entire Mount Daigo as its temple grounds, and is also known as a famous cherry blossom viewing spot, selected as one of the "100 Best Cherry Blossom Viewing Sites in Japan." In spring, about 700 cherry trees of several varieties bloom, allowing you to enjoy a beautiful pink landscape typical of Kyoto.
The "Gojunoto" (Five-storied Pagoda), built in 951 with a calm atmosphere, is about 38m tall and is said to be the oldest wooden structure in Kyoto Prefecture. At "Sanboin," where most of the buildings are Important Cultural Properties, you can see the traditional architectural style called "Shinden-zukuri" seen inthe late 10th century, as well as a beautiful garden.
The "Reihokan" (Treasure House) stores hundreds of thousands of temple treasures. Every year, some of these are exhibited in rotation during spring and autumn. You can view them along with cherry blossom viewing in the cherry blossom season.
<Daigoji>
Address: 22 Daigohigashiojicho, Fushimi Ward, Kyoto
Access: 15 minutes walk from Subway Tozai Line "Daigo" Station
Kyoto Daigoji Line Bus "Daigoji"
Keihan Bus "Daigoji-mae"
Hours: Summer 9:00-17:00
Winter 9:00-16:30
Closed: None
Phone: 075-571-0002
Admission: Sanboin Garden and Temple Grounds/
Regular period: Adults 1,000 yen, Middle and High School Students 700 yen
Spring period: Adults 1,500 yen, Middle and High School Students 1,000 yen
(Sanboin Garden, Temple Grounds, and Reihokan Garden)
Sanboin Palace Special Viewing/
Regular period: Adults and Middle/High School Students 500 yen
Reihokan Main Building and Heisei Hall Special Exhibition/
Adults and Middle/High School Students 500 yen or more
Official website
Points to Note When Visiting Fushimi Inari Taisha
It's Very Popular and Always Crowded
Fushimi Inari Taisha is popular among domestic and international tourists, with about 10 million annual visitors. Even outside of events, there are street stalls for visitors, allowing you to enjoy an atmosphere similar to a festival.
Good access from the station is considered one of the factors attracting tourists. Due to the large number of people, it's advisable to use public transportation instead of coming by car.
Also, on this site, you can see predicted crowding data for the area around Fushimi Inari Taisha by date and time. By visiting during relatively less crowded times according to your tourism schedule, you might be able to have a smoother tour.
Follow Shrine Manners and Etiquette
Shrines and temples are sacred places that enshrine gods. Also, because popular places are bustling with many people daily, it's important to follow manners and etiquette when visiting.
By each tourist being conscious of manners and etiquette, we can pass on the beautiful Kyoto with its long history to future generations in its beautiful state.
Optimal manners vary greatly depending on the country and culture. Please learn about Kyoto-specific manners and etiquette beforehand to enjoy the elegant Kyoto.
Manners and etiquette to follow when sightseeing
Wear Comfortable Shoes and Don't Forget to Stay Hydrated
When sightseeing in Kyoto, you'll often visit shrines and temples and move between tourist spots. Most of this movement will be on foot. Enjoy walking around Kyoto to the fullest with comfortable shoes, easy-to-move clothes, and sufficient hydration.
Especially during the scorching summer days, caution against heat stroke is necessary. Check the heat stroke warning alerts and weather forecasts to prevent heat stroke.
Heat stroke warning alerts
Also, there are over 800 free water supply spots in Kyoto city. Japanese tap water is known to be clean enough to drink directly. Bring your own bottle to protect the environment while enjoying Kyoto's tap water.
Free water supply spots in Kyoto city