Fushimi Inari Taisha — Attraction in Kyoto

Half day guide with map, food and photos to experience Fushimi Inari to its fullest.

TABLE OF CONTENT:

Best time of day to visit Food recommendations Photo opportunities Hidden gems and extras

If you need to read only one thing out of this, is that I recommend visiting the shrine in the evening and not morning time. For the simple reason that you do not want to miss out on the beautiful sunset at the top of the summit, the best lighting on the torii gates, and the magic transition to night time with all the lamps lighting up that in itself, is a unique experience people pay tourguides for.

BEST TIME OF DAY TO VISIT:

Contradictory to ALL the guides out there, I recommend starting out around 3-4 hours before sunset so you can enjoy a hearty lunch, spend time at the souvenir stalls and take as many pictures as you want without rush before sunset on the mountaintop.

You wont miss out on photos by yourself between the gates even later in the day near the mountaintop, where the crows thin out, and more photo opportunities open up.

After sunset descend the left side of the mountaintop loop to enjoy the mystical forest by yourself, as not everybody knows the path gets lit up by hundreds of lights.

FOOD RECOMMENDATIONS:

Although the many stalls along the shrine entrance are great, and the few and far food stands on the mountain are present. I personally prefer to have a proper meal sitting down with drinks and plates.

For that one I recommend the delicious ''Gyukatsu Kyoto Katsugyu''(see food photos) in itself a fun experience where for around 2000 yen (13 USD) you get a plate of tonkatsu, rice, miso and several dipping sauces to enjoy every bite differently.

After, for those with a sweet tooth, I recommend stopping at the highly awarded and 5 star reviewed icecream shop right across the street ''Nishimura Gelato Factory''.

I am a gelato aficionado and I recommend vividly ALL their flavours, especially their special matcha, which won many awards and is more balanced than other matchas out there that I've tried.

At the end of your day, after the visit, most of the places will have closed, so I recommend ''Ramen Hiwamatanoboru'' (see food photos) for a killer tsukemen (dipping noodles) at a great price.

PHOTO OPPORTUNITIES

There are several spots for amazing photo opportunities, with most ones without people being towards the mountaintop.

Your first stop will be at "Kumataka Shrine" on the "Shin-Ike pond" (see blue trail on map), where by keeping the pond on your left, following along a series of narrower paths, you will end up on a tiny dirt trail, follow it until reaching a tiny gray building for photos like the one I posted (see the shrine on the pond photo).

The second stop will be at sunset, all along the Torii right before AND after the Kyoto Viewpoint (see red trail on map and viewpoint) at "Fushimi Inari Yotsuji". The sun will be hitting in between the Torii, giving the best lighting and no strong shadows allowing for picture perfect portraits. (see the portrait photos) You can also enjoy the sunset over the mountains at the viewpoint if you prefer, but be mindful reaching this area takes two to three relaxed hours.

The third photo opportunities (see night photos) will be after sunset along the left side of the mountaintop loop (see black trail on map), where hundreds of lamps will light your path to the bottom of the mountain. Do take time and explore the side roads popping up here and there, being careful to avoid any suspicious sounds as yokais and boars are known to roam the area and feeding on unsuspecting tourists.

END

Due to character limit I could not talk about some hidden gems and cool souvenirs. Unmissable souvenir: goshuin and goshuin-cho Hidden gems: read ''The unknown sites of Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto'' on the ''How To Japan'' website. My personal favourite is the "Omokaru Stones" on maps, and if crowded, follow the map to Fushimi Kandakara Shrine for another set.

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Super duper busy … try to go very very early in the morning like 3am 🥲

📍 Fushimi Inari Shrine

68 Fukakusa Yabunouchicho, Fushimi Ward, Kyoto, 612-0882, Japan. 🇯🇵

Fushimi Inari Shrine ⛩️⛩️⛩️, located in Kyoto, Japan, is one of the country's most iconic Shinto shrines. Dedicated to Inari, the Shinto god of rice, fertility, and prosperity, the shrine is renowned for its thousands of vermilion torii gates, which create a series of picturesque pathways leading up to Mount Inari. The origins of the shrine date back to 711 AD, making it one of Kyoto's oldest and most significant religious sites. The main shrine building, known as the honden, is situated at the base of the mountain, with numerous smaller shrines scattered along the trails that ascend to the summit.

The most famous feature of Fushimi Inari Shrine is the Senbon Torii, or "thousands of torii gates," which have been donated by individuals and businesses in a tradition that has spanned centuries. Each gate is inscribed with the name of the donor and the date of the donation, reflecting a deep connection between the shrine and its patrons. The torii gates create tunnels of vibrant red that wind through the forested slopes of Mount Inari, providing a unique and serene experience for visitors. The hike to the top of the mountain takes about two to three hours, offering various viewpoints and small shrines along the way.

Fushimi Inari Shrine is not only a place of worship but also a cultural and historical landmark. It attracts millions of visitors each year, who come to seek blessings, admire the stunning architecture, and experience the tranquility of the sacred mountain. The shrine's annual festivals, such as the rice planting ceremony in May and the fire festival in January, draw large crowds and showcase traditional rituals and performances. Despite its popularity, the shrine maintains a peaceful atmosphere, especially in the early morning or late evening when fewer tourists are present.

Inari, the deity to whom the shrine is dedicated, is often depicted as a fox, and visitors will notice numerous fox statues throughout the shrine grounds. These foxes, known as kitsune, are considered to be messengers of Inari and are believed to possess magical abilities. Offerings of rice, sake, and other goods are commonly placed at the feet of these statues, symbolizing gratitude and reverence. The fox imagery adds to the mystical allure of Fushimi Inari Shrine, making it a must-visit destination for those interested in Japanese culture, spirituality, and...

5-Star Review: Awe-Inspiring Fushimi Inari Taisha, a Highlight of Japan!

I'm thrilled to share my exceptional experience at Fushimi Inari Taisha 伏見稲荷大社, a destination that left me breathless and inspired!

Standout Features:

Breathtaking Shrine: Fushimi Inari Taisha is an absolute marvel, boasting stunning architecture, beautiful gardens, and a serene atmosphere that invites contemplation and wonder.

Highlight of My Japan Trip: This incredible shrine was the undisputed highlight of my Japan adventure. Its unique blend of natural beauty, cultural significance, and spiritual energy made it an unforgettable experience.

Serenity and Magnificence of the Torii Gates: Walking through the thousands of vermillion Torii gates was a truly transcendent experience. The gentle rustle of the gates, the soft filtering of the sunlight, and the majestic scenery all combined to create an atmosphere of profound serenity and magnificence.

Personal Notes:

We visited Fushimi Inari Taisha on New Year's Day, which added an extra layer of excitement and energy to our experience. Although it was very crowded due to the special New Year's blessings, it was well worth braving the throngs. The festive atmosphere, the traditional clothing, and the joyous spirit of the crowd all contributed to a truly unforgettable experience.

Verdict:

Fushimi Inari Taisha is an absolute must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Japan! With its breathtaking shrine, serene Torii gates, and unforgettable atmosphere, it's an experience that will leave you in awe. Don't miss this incredible opportunity to connect with Japan's rich culture, stunning natural beauty, and profound spiritual energy.

Rating: 5/5 stars

Will we return? Absolutely!

Highly recommended for:

Travelers seeking a unique and unforgettable cultural experience Nature lovers and photographers Spiritual seekers and those interested in Shintoism Anyone looking to experience the magic and...