Fushimi Inari Taisha
伏见稻荷大社
The head shrine of Japan's roughly 30,000 Inari shrines. Over ten thousand vermilion torii gates line the slopes of Mount Inari, forming the Senbon Torii, Kyoto's most recognizable image.
Fushimi Inari Taisha was founded in 711 and enshrines Inari, the deity of grain and prosperous commerce. It is the head shrine of about 30,000 Inari shrines across Japan, and fox statues, the deity's messengers, can be found throughout the grounds. Its symbol is about 10,000 vermilion torii gates donated by worshippers and companies. They line the trails up Mount Inari, starting behind the main hall. The densest section, the Senbon Torii (Thousand Torii), splits into two parallel tunnels, and the back of each gate is inscribed with the donor's name and date. Most visitors turn back after reaching the Okusha Hohaisho (about 15 minutes, with the Omokaru Stone for making wishes) or Yotsuji (about 40 minutes, with views over southern Kyoto). A full loop around the mountain takes 2 to 3 hours and climbs about 230 m. The higher you go, the fewer people you'll meet, and the main shrine of the Inari deity stands at Ichi-no-mine peak at the top. The shrine is free and open all day. The hours before 7 a.m. and the evening (the torii tunnels are lit) are the quietest and best for atmospheric shots. Midday and afternoon see many tour groups. Specialties along the approach include inari-zushi, fox-mask-shaped pancakes and grilled sparrow or quail skewers. Getting there: from Kyoto Station, take the JR Nara Line two stops, about 5 minutes, to Inari Station and walk out directly. Keihan Fushimi-Inari Station is a 5-minute walk away. You can combine the visit on the same day with the Fushimi sake brewery district (Gekkeikan Okura Memorial Hall and the Jukkokubune boats), or with Tofuku-ji (a famous maple-viewing spot, one stop away). Notes: the trail has steps, so wear comfortable shoes. Mosquitoes are common in summer, and stone steps are slippery after rain. Please do not carve on or touch the inscriptions on the torii.
Opening hours
Open all day (certificate office approx. 08:30–16:30)