Inariyama — Local services in Kyoto

Few hints for photographers and people, who dont like must see places crowded by tourists: come 2 hours before sunset, first you will get nice soft light, second you can make nice pictures of sunset above Kyoto and third after sunset staircase is lighted and you can make great night photos too. DO NOT LOOSE ANY TIME in the beginning of the staircase, which is always crowded. Just quickly pass all the selfie-makers and do not stop climbing until you recognize that there is no one left under the torii to spoil your pics. In my case it happened after climbing third of the way up. Remember, that around 90% of native tourists just come to take a photo in the first stage and after that they leave the place. Definitely go the summit. take any path leading off the staircase left or right. Otherwise you will miss beautiful places full of small shrines, symbols, mini toriis etc, which are scattered along the way. See the photos to have an idea. Instead of losing time with overrated Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, save your time and explore same nice and wild bamboo grove near the staircase, hidden behind one of the big shrine areas. It is spreading up the hill on a quite large area, so you can walk up or down through...

If you ever find yourself in Kyoto this is an amazing place to visit. We ended up going later in the day and while it was still popular with many people climbing and descending the darkness it was beautiful and not overly loud. As you climb to the peak and come across the many inari shrines you will be left in awe of the beauty of this mountain. I could never recommend a shrine more as you will never be let down by its beauty and mystery. (P.S if you take a certain route down you will come across some cats, super cute but I must've deleted the photo because I can't find the...

A wondrous walk to the top, with one of the main stations boasting a grand view of the city of Kyoto, regardless of the rain or the fog that might ensue on a colder winter day. Plenty of people posing for photos at the lower gates but head all the way up towards the main drag and the crowds fizzle out amazingly. The illusion of a never ending path of gates is such a whimsical experience to be seen with your own eyes, and climbing the mountain a spiritual journey in...