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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.