Fushimi Inari Shrine

A 1,300 year old shrine for the God of bountiful crops and prosperous business

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Fushimi Inari Shrine is the headquarters of all the Inari shrines. It has served as a place of worship for the common people over 1,300 years. The tunnel consisting of 10,000 torii gates is something to see. Enjoy a stroll through the rolling land on the spacious grounds of the shrine.
Business Hours
Saturday ( 8:30 AM ~ 4:30 PM )
Sunday ( 8:30 AM ~ 4:30 PM )
Weekdays ( 8:30 AM ~ 4:30 PM )

Shrine grounds are open 24 hours a day
Address
Fushimi Inari Shrine, 68 Fukakusa Yabunouchicho Fushimi Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto
Phone
(075) 641-7331

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About

Red torii gates and white foxes – the symbols of Fushimi Inari Shrine

For more than 1,300 years, people have come to Fushimi Inari Shrine to worship the Inari God that assures bountiful crops. The shrine is the headquarters of the more than 30,000 inari shrines across Japan. The red torii gates and white foxes are the symbols of Fushimi Inari Shrine. It is said that the red color of the torii gates and the shrine building has power against supernatural powers and that the color also indicates the bountifulness of the Inari God. Foxes are believed to be the servants of the Inari God; it is said that foxes were chosen as the God’s servants because they prey on crop damaging mice and also because the color of the fox and the shape of their tails resemble ripe rice plants. Replacing the usual guardian dogs, a pair of foxes is placed at the Roumon gate as protectors against evil.

Senbon Torii – the highlight of Fushimi Inari Shrine

The row of torii gates called Senbon Torii is the highlight of this shrine. Senbon Torii came about due to the custom that has spread since the Edo period (1603 – 1868) to dedicate a torii gate to the shrine to express gratitude regarding the worshiper’s wish that “will come true” or “did come true.” At present, nearly 10,000 torii gates line the main path and the tradition of donating a gate is still practiced today. Based on the idea that assuring bountiful crops for farmers is relevant to assuring prosperous business for merchants, since the Edo period and onward, the Inari God has been worshiped also as a god that assures prosperous business. The grounds of the shrine stretch to Mount Inari; it takes more than two hours to cover the approx. 87 square meter shrine premises. The Senbon Torii is a short walk away from the main sanctuary. From there, as you walk toward the mountain peak, you will reach the crossroad (yotsutsuji) where you can view the entire city of Kyoto. You can also rest at a tea house while enjoying this magnificent view. Though the shrine is opened to the public 24 hours a day, we recommend visiting the shrine during the day because it has many stone steps and the lighting during the night is limited.

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Reviews

7 years ago
Through 10,000 gates
You should save plenty of time when visiting this interesting and large temple. The temple itself next to the station is big and interesting but I felt the most mesmerizing part of the trip was walking up to the mountain and seeing thousands of gates in a row, then continuing to walk up the forest trails seeing smaller shrines along it.
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7 years ago
Amazing Torii walk!
I've visited Kyoto many times before I visit Fushimi Inari Shrine. Should've visit sooner! The Torii walk here is probably one of great eye-catching spot in Japan. I'd suggest you come here in the morning since it will be crowded from noon. Here, Fox is considered to be the messenger of Inari so you can also find a lot of symbolic design crafts around this area.
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7 years ago
Amazing Scene
This shrine is so beautiful. There are many tourists because this is one of the most famous tourist spots in Kyoto, but you should definitely visit here. It's better to prepare to climb, and early morning is better to avoid crowds. You can enjoy hike with amazing scene. I think it's one of the best places to take photos.
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7 years ago
Highlight of my trip
The Fushimi Inari Shrine is located only a few stops away from the city Kyoto itself. What was so special about this shrine were the many tori gates that lead you up the mountain. I visited the place in the middle of the summer with temperatures rising to 40 degrees celsius. It was very hot and humid, and the many stairs were not difficult to climb but overall it took me about 2 hours to go up and down again. I do not recommend this for kids if you want to go all the way up and down again. Nevertheless, there were some small shops that sold cold beverages and snack on the way. My favorite part where the little wooden fox prayer blocks where you can write your wish on, so cute!
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8 years ago
京都旅行
初伏見稲荷とても良かった。
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8 years ago
Breathtaking nature
A very worthwhile visit. You can enjoy amazing views over Kyoto while exploring the never ending red tori gates. The front is quite packed with tourists but as you continue down the path, the number of people becomes less and less. There is also no entry fee so its a nice free trip.
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9 years ago
This is what you came to Kyoto to see
Trust me, you came to Japan, and more importantly to Kyoto, to see sights like this. 10,000 Torii gates lined up, one after another is quite a sight. Even more so when you walk through them. The mountain itself is quite steep and has multiple paths you can take to the top. The top is not thaaaaat impressive itself, but its a beautiful trek up a beautiful mountain. The forest all around the area is absolutely gorgeous. Summer brings out shades of green you may never have seen. Though beware. In summer, the trek will make you sweat. Wear shorts. Or anything but jeans. Doooo iiiiiit.
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