Fushimi Inari Taisha, located in the southern part of Kyoto, is a popular tourist destination visited by tourists from all over the world.
This shrine was founded in 711 and is known as the largest Inari shrine in Japan, dedicated to the god Inari.
Particularly famous are the Senbon Torii, or “Senbon Torii,” the thousands of vermilion-lacquered torii gates that line the shrine’s mountain paths, which captivate all who visit.
If you climb the mountain path leading to the shrine, you can enjoy a panoramic view of Kyoto city, which creates a particularly fantastical atmosphere at sunset and when the shrine is lit up at night.
Be sure to visit Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine and experience the history and natural beauty of Kyoto.
What kind of place is Fushimi Inari Taisha?
Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine is the head shrine of all Inari shrines in Japan, located in Fushimi Ward, Kyoto City.
Founded in 711, it is known for granting blessings such as good harvests, prosperous business, safety in the home, and the fulfillment of wishes.
Particularly famous is the “Senbon Torii”, a row of vermilion-lacquered torii gates , which have been donated since the Edo period and continue to increase in number today.
The main shrine building is designated as an Important Cultural Property, and the tower gate donated by Toyotomi Hideyoshi is also worth seeing.
There are also many fox statues within the grounds, which are said to be messengers of the Inari god.
Many worshippers flock to the shrine, especially during the New Year, and it is world-famous as one of Kyoto’s most famous landmarks.
The History of Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
Let’s start by looking at the history of Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine.
Knowing the history before you go sightseeing will allow you to enjoy your trip even more.
Founding and legends of the Nara period
Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine was founded in 711 during the Nara period.
The origin of the shrine’s founding is based on the legend that when Hata Irogu shot an arrow at a rice cake, the rice cake turned into a swan and flew away, and rice began to grow in the place where the swan landed .
This legend led to the worship of the god Inari on Mount Inari.
Fushimi Inari Taisha is known nationwide as the head shrine of all Inari shrines.
Worship of Fushimi Inari Taisha originally began as a deity for agriculture, but later came to be widely worshipped as a deity for business prosperity and household safety.
Since this time, Inari has also been worshipped as the god of good fortune in the southeast.
The spread of faith during the Heian period
During the Heian period, faith in Fushimi Inari Taisha spread rapidly.
In particular, in 827, when Emperor Junna fell ill, it was believed that he had been cursed for cutting down a sacred tree on Mount Inari, and he apologized to the Inari Okami and was granted a divine rank.
This incident led to faith in Fushimi Inari Taisha spreading throughout the country, and in 942 it attained the highest rank of the divine order, “Shoichii.”
During this period, Inari was also worshipped as the southeast god of good fortune, and was especially popular among merchants and farmers.
Fushimi Inari Taisha became an important base for people praying for prosperous business and good harvests.
Development since the Edo period
During the Edo period, Fushimi Inari Taisha was especially popular with merchants and townspeople.
In particular, many merchants praying for prosperity in their business visited the shrine, and the custom of donating red torii gates became widespread.
These torii gates were built with wishes and gratitude in mind, and are now famous as the “Senbon Torii . “
Since the Edo period, Fushimi Inari Taisha has had a strong Shinto-Buddhist syncretism, and a Jodo sect temple was also established within the grounds.
During the Meiji period, it was designated as a government-sponsored shrine and is currently protected as an Important Cultural Property.
In this way, Fushimi Inari Taisha has continued to be worshipped by many people throughout history.
Highlights of Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine captivates visitors with its row of vermilion-lacquered torii gates known as “Senbon Torii.”
This shrine is believed to grant many blessings, including good harvests, prosperity in business, and safety in the home.
Below, we will introduce three highlights of Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine.
- Thousand Torii Gates
- Tower gate built by Toyotomi Hideyoshi
- Okusha Worship Site and Climbing Mount Inari
Thousand Torii Gates
The biggest attraction of Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine is the “Senbon Torii”, a series of vermilion-lacquered torii gates.
This torii gate has been dedicated as an expression of wishes and gratitude since the Edo period.
Currently, there are about 800 torii gates lined up, forming a fantastical tunnel.
The number of torii gates represents the granting of wishes, and the illumination at sunset and at night is a particularly special experience for all visitors.
The Senbon Torii gates are the symbol of the shrine and the reason why so many tourists visit.
Walking along the mountain path lined with torii gates will naturally create a mystical atmosphere.
The dedication of torii gates continues to this day, and is undertaken by many companies and individuals.
Tower gate built by Toyotomi Hideyoshi
At the entrance to Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine, there is the historic Tower Gate, built by Toyotomi Hideyoshi.
This tower gate was donated by Hideyoshi in 1589 and is an important symbol of the shrine.
The Romon gate serves as the entrance to the main shrine building, through which worshippers pass on their way to the altar .
The architectural style of the tower gate gives a sense of the technology and aesthetic sense of the time, and is highly regarded for its historical value.
There are also many fox statues around the tower gate, which are popular as messengers of the Inari god.
Okusha Worship Site and Climbing Mount Inari
The inner shrine of Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine is located beyond the Senbon Torii gates and is the entrance to Mount Inari.
From here you can climb Mt. Inari, which takes about two hours to reach the summit of Ichinomine.
The hiking route passes through forests rich in nature, providing a refreshing experience for visitors.
You can also enjoy a panoramic view of Kyoto city from the summit, which is especially fantastic at sunset.
What is the best season to visit Fushimi Inari Taisha?
The recommended seasons to visit Fushimi Inari Taisha are spring and autumn.
Spring is a season with mild weather, perfect for mountain climbing, attracting many visitors and attracting large crowds.
Autumn is the season of changing leaves, and the most beautiful time is from November to December .
The sight of the vermilion torii gates and autumn leaves in harmony is a special experience for all visitors.
In addition, there are fewer tourists in winter, allowing you to enjoy a quieter atmosphere.
The illuminated torii gates create a fantastic atmosphere especially at night.
Access to Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine is located in Fushimi Ward, Kyoto City, and can be reached in a variety of ways.
Here, we will look at how to access the temple from Kyoto Station and from Kinkakuji Temple.
Access from Kyoto Station
The most convenient way to get to Fushimi Inari Taisha from Kyoto Station is by train and bus.
Take the JR Nara Line to Inari Station and then it’s about a 10-minute walk from there.
If you take the train, it takes about 10 minutes from Kyoto Station to Inari Station.
If you are using a Kyoto City Bus, take the 105 line from Kyoto Station Hachijo Exit and get off at Inari Taisha Shrine.
The bus ride takes about 30 to 40 minutes, but it is a convenient way to get around tourist spots.
Access from Kinkakuji Temple
The most common way to get from Kinkakuji Temple to Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine is by bus.
Take Kyoto City Bus No. 205 from Kinkakuji Temple, change to No. 205 at Shijo Kawaramachi, and get off at Inari Taisha Shrine.
The bus ride takes approximately 45 to 60 minutes.
A taxi will take you there in about 30 minutes, but it is quite expensive.
Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine admission fees and opening hours
Basic information about Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine is summarized in the table below.
| item | Contents |
|---|---|
| location | 1 Fushimi Inariyama, Fushimi Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture |
| Visiting hours | 24 hours (main hall) |
| Admission fee | Free (within the temple grounds) |
| Business hours | Charms and stamps are available from 9:00 to 16:30 |
| parking | Paid parking available (several nearby) |
| Estimated travel time | 1–2 hours |
Recommended spots around Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
There are also several recommended spots around Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine.
Here we will introduce some must-see spots when you visit Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine.
Fushimi Sake Brewery Street
Fushimi Sakagura-dori is a representative sake production area in Kyoto, located about 10 minutes by car from Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine.
Many sake breweries line this street, where visitors can sample and purchase sake.
You can also tour the sake brewery and learn about the sake production process.
Especially in spring and autumn, walking down Sakagura-dori Street allows you to feel the relaxed atmosphere that is so characteristic of Kyoto.
Many sake breweries are located in historical buildings, and the scenery of old-fashioned town houses remains attractive.
Tofukuji Temple
Tofukuji Temple is located about 10 minutes by train from Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine.
It is particularly famous for its autumn foliage, and is known as the “Azalea Temple,” the most beautiful in Kyoto .
During the autumn foliage season, many tourists visit the area to enjoy the beautiful scenery.
Tofukuji Temple was built during the Kamakura period and is highly regarded for its historical value.
In particular, the main hall and the three-story pagoda have been designated as Important Cultural Properties and can be visited.
There are also many gardens within the temple grounds, where you can enjoy beautiful scenery in harmony with nature.
Narutaki Falls
Narutaki Falls is a natural attraction located about 20 minutes by car from Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine.
This waterfall has a drop of about 12 meters and is particularly captivating to visitors during the seasons of fresh greenery in spring and autumn leaves.
The waterfall is surrounded by a rich forest where you can take a walk.
The sound of the waterfall is particularly soothing, attracting many people.
FAQs about Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine
summary
Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine is the head shrine of all Inari shrines in Japan, located in Fushimi Ward, Kyoto City.
Particularly famous is the “Senbon Torii”, a row of vermilion-lacquered torii gates that captivate all visitors.
Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine is especially popular during the seasons of fresh greenery in spring and autumn leaves.
Visiting early in the morning or in the evening is recommended, as the illuminated torii gates create a magical atmosphere, especially at night.
Be sure to visit Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine and experience the history and natural beauty of Kyoto.
