Fushimi Inari Shrine
★ 4.8🇯🇵 KyotoSuggested visit 2-3 hoursBest season Year-round; April for cherry blossom and November for autumn colour
Religious siteHistoric sitePhotography
Thousands of vermilion torii forming tunnels up the mountainside — the most recognisable shrine scene in Japan.
Overview
Founded in 711, Fushimi Inari is the head shrine of some thirty thousand Inari shrines across Japan, dedicated to the deity of grain and commerce. It is best known for the senbon torii — thousands of vermilion gates donated by worshippers, packed into tunnels along the trails up Mount Inari. The full summit loop runs about four kilometres and takes two to three hours, with views over Kyoto on the way.
History
Founded in 711 and moved to its present site in the Heian period, it flourished through devotion to agriculture and commerce; most surviving torii were donated within the last century.
Highlights
- •The senbon torii tunnels
- •The Mount Inari summit loop
- •The fox statues and votive plaques
- •The food stalls along the approach
Practical tips
- •Early morning and late night are nearly empty — best for photos
- •The summit loop is long — bring water and good shoes
Practical information
- Best time
- Year-round
- Tickets
- Free
- Opening hours
- Open all day
- Local food
- Inari sushi, grilled skewers, matcha sweets
- Getting around
- Directly outside JR Inari station, five minutes from Kyoto station.
- Visa
- A visa is required; apply about a month in advance.
Traveller reviews
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