Fushimi Inari, Kyoto, Japan

Are the vibrant orange torii gates of Fushimi Inari on your bucket list for Japan?

Fushimi Inari Taisha is an important Shinto shrine located in Kyoto, Japan. It is most famous for the thousands of torii gates that line the trails leading up to the shrine.

The Fushimi Inari Shrine stands at the top of Mount Inari, which rises 233 meters above sea level, and it’s a 4-kilometer hike to the top.

This shrine is the most important of the thousands of shrines created in honor of Inari, the Shinto god of rice. It dates all the way back to the year 711, making it one of the oldest shrines in Japan.

The rows of bright orange torii gates, surrounded by green forest, make for a very picturesque trail. It’s no wonder that Fushimi Inari is one of the most popular places to visit in Japan!

Of course, not all visitors have the desire or the ability to climb to the shrine at the top, although those that make the effort are rewarded by the opportunity to explore the beautiful shrine buildings.

Also, about halfway up the mountain, the Yotsutsuji Intersection (or crossroads overlook) offers an expansive view over Kyoto.

Along the route, and on the grounds of the shrine, you’ll see lots of statues of foxes. Foxes are considered the messengers of Inari.

Many visitors are content to walk the bottom section of the trail, where you can snap photos of the famous torii gates.

The bottom sections of the trail are usually the most crowded, especially during the day, so you should ideally plan on visiting early or late, or climb further up the hill to leave some of the crowds behind.

Considering a visit to Fushimi Inari? On this complete Fushimi Inari website you will find all the information you need to plan your visit!

And if you’re just starting to plan your visit to Japan, check out some of the top things to do in Japan, many of which you absolutely don’t want to miss!