Fushimi Inari Taisha is one of Kyoto's most iconic landmarks, and by extension, one of the most significant sites in Japan. The famous paths lined with thousands of red torii gates, creating mystical tunnels through the forest, often grace the covers of travel guides. But what makes this place so special?
What is Fushimi Inari Taisha?
Fushimi Inari Taisha is Japan's largest Shinto shrine, dedicated to the goddess Inari. Inari is revered as the protector of grains, particularly rice, as well as commerce and households. She is one of the most popular deities in Shintoism, often represented by a fox, her sacred messenger.
According to Shinto tradition, the goddess Inari chose her home on what is now known as Inariyama Hill in 711. Since then, the shrine's importance has grown, becoming one of the three most influential shrines in Japan as early as 942. The thousands of torii that adorn the shrine today were primarily donated during the Edo period (1603 - 1868) as thanks to Inari for her blessings or to request the fulfillment of wishes. In 1909, the main shrine was designated a national treasure of Japan.
A torii symbolically marks the boundary between the secular world and the sacred grounds of a Shinto shrine. If you don't see a torii at the entrance of a place of worship, you're likely standing before a Buddhist temple.
What to See at Fushimi Inari?
Fushimi Inari Taisha is best known for its thousands of vermilion torii gates, which form long, winding paths through the sacred mountain. The shrine is open 24/7 year-round, and admission is free. Various loop trails allow visitors to explore the mountain at their own pace.
The Climb to the Summit
Reaching the summit of Mount Inari, which rises to 233 meters, is no easy feat. It takes about 2 to 3 hours to reach the top.
However, if you're short on time or want a break, it's recommended to hike halfway (about a 40-minute walk) to the Yotsutsuji intersection, where you can enjoy a panoramic view of Kyoto.
The Romon Gate and Main Hall
As soon as you exit JR Inari Station, you'll be greeted by the majestic Romon Gate, donated in 1589 by Toyotomi Hideyoshi (1537 – 1598), one of Japan's three great unifiers. Behind this imposing gate is the shrine's main hall, where it's customary to make a small offering to seek Inari's favor.
The Path of "Senbon Torii" and "Omokaru" Stones
Continuing your visit behind the main hall, you'll find the famous Senbon Torii path, literally meaning "a thousand torii." This iconic passage actually features over 10,000 torii gates, creating an unforgettable and mystical atmosphere.
At the end of this path, a small cemetery houses a pair of stone lanterns known as Omokaru ishi, literally "heavy/light stone." Tradition holds that visitors make a wish while trying to lift one of these stones. If the stone feels light, your wish will be granted. If not, you'll need to be patient...
Yotsutsuji Intersection
After about 40 minutes of hiking, you'll arrive at the Yotsutsuji intersection, located halfway to the summit. This viewpoint is the last major stop before continuing to the top. Many visitors choose to stop here, as the summit, while rewarding, is densely wooded and doesn’t offer a spectacular view.
Multiple Shrines and Bamboo Forests
For the more adventurous, it's possible to lose yourself in the numerous trails that wind through Mount Inari, revealing a multitude of hidden shrines. Among these, Gozendani, located near the summit, is a key site where some of the shrine's annual ceremonies take place.
Fushimi Inari also features several large bamboo forests, often compared to the famous Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. Here, the lack of crowds and barriers allows you to roam freely, offering a more intimate and immersive experience.
Fushimi Inari Taisha at Night: A Unique Experience
Since the shrine is open 24 hours a day, one of the best times to visit is at dusk. As night falls, the atmosphere becomes even more enchanting, with the illuminated torii casting a soft, mysterious glow. Climbing up to Yotsutsuji to admire the night view of Kyoto is an experience not to be missed.
Can You Donate a Torii to the Shrine?
Yes, you can!
The torii gates you see lining the paths can be donated to the shrine. Prices for a small torii start at 400,000 yen, and there's no upper limit for the larger ones. At the summit of Mount Inari, you'll find hundreds of small torii piled up, giving the impression of being in a torii furniture store!
Must-See Events at Fushimi Inari
As Japan's largest shrine dedicated to Inari, Fushimi Inari Taisha hosts several major events throughout the year. Here are some highlights:
January
- January 1st at 6:00 AM: New Year's Prayer
- January 5th: Mountain Festival (12:00 PM at the temple, 1:40 PM at Gozendani)
- Second Monday of January at 1:00 PM: Coming of Age Festival for those turning 20
- January 12th at 2:00 PM: Archery Festival
February
- First weekend of February at 9:00 AM: Spring Festival
- First day of the Horse in February at 8:00 AM: Horse Festival, Shrine Anniversary
April
- Sunday closest to April 8th at 1:00 PM: Commerce Ceremony and Prayer
- April 12th at 11:00 AM: Rice Planting and Prayers
- Sunday closest to April 20th at 11:00 AM: Inari Festival with portable shrine processions
May
- May 3rd at 4:00 PM: Kanko Festival, also known as "Welcome Home"
June
- June 10th at 1:00 PM: Transfer of rice seedlings to the main rice paddy and prayers
- June 30th at 3:00 PM: Summer Purification Rite. Impurities are transferred to doll-like figures, which are then released into rivers and the sea to carry away the impurities.
July
- First Sunday of July: Festival where all Inari devotees visit the shrine
October
- Two days and the eve of the second Monday in October at 1:00 PM: Festival to express gratitude and pray for the safety and prosperity of devotees
- October 25th at 11:00 AM: Rice Harvest
November
- November 8th at 1:00 PM: Thanksgiving Festival for the rice harvest. A large fire of 100,000 wooden ema plaques from across the country
- November 8th at 6:00 PM: Mikagura music, song, and dance performance (an ancient imperial court tradition)
- November 23rd at 10:00 AM: Rice Harvest Offering
December
- December 31st at 3:00 PM: Year-End Purification Ceremony
