Fushimi Inari Taisha

The most impressive place at Inari Shrine is undoubtedly the "Senbon Torii," where rows of vermilion torii gates line up. The number of torii gates is approximately 10,000, and the endless vermillion corridor is very fantastical. As a popular spot among foreign tourists, it can get very crowded in the afternoon. Therefore, it's recommended to visit in the morning if possible to avoid the crowds and enjoy it calmly. The best season to visit is during the autumn foliage season, where you can enjoy the colorful scenery along with the torii gates.

The elevation of Inariyama, where the Inari Shrine is located, is 223m. Not only is it a tourist spot, but it also offers a rich hiking course in nature. The course is about 4km in circumference and can be climbed in about 1-2 hours. As the course consists of stairs, it's recommended to wear comfortable clothing. One of the attractions is that you can enjoy the hike while taking breaks at small shrines along the way. At the summit, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the southern part of Kyoto city and experience an unparalleled sense of accomplishment!

After passing through the Senbon Torii gates, there is a spot to test your luck called the "Light-Heavy Stone" at the Oku-sha Shrine. After putting an offering in the donation box, lift the round stone on top of the lantern. It is said that if the weight is lighter than you expected, your wish will come true. This "Light-Heavy Stone" is a popular spot within Fushimi Inari Taisha, so during the autumn leaves season and Golden Week, long lines are expected. It is recommended to visit with plenty of time to spare!

The "Roumon" Gate is the main gate of Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine and is registered as an important cultural property of Japan. It is one of the historic gates in Kyoto said to have been built by Toyotomi Hideyoshi. Looking up from the gate, you can see the approach leading to the main shrine and Senbon Torii gates, with the surrounding stone pavement adding to the atmosphere. After passing through the gate and sightseeing, you can visit the outer hall, inner hall, and main shrine. The night illumination is also a highlight. It is illuminated from sunset until 9 pm, allowing you to enjoy a fantastic atmosphere different from the daytime.

At Inari Shrine, white foxes are considered to be messengers of the gods, so you can see fox statues scattered throughout the shrine grounds. It's interesting to note that each statue has a different meaning, as seen by the different items held in their mouths. For example, the fox statue holding rice stalks is said to be related to the god of bountiful harvests. At the inner shrine worship hall, located beyond the thousands of torii gates, visitors can draw expressions on the fox faces along with their wishes. The unique ema (votive plaques) have become a popular spot for taking photos.