Fushimi Inari Taisha
Ten thousand vermilion torii gates climbing a forested mountain.
Fushimi Inari Taisha is the head shrine of Inari, the Shinto deity of rice, and its thousands of vermilion torii gates form a tunnel that winds up Mount Inari for four kilometres. The full hike takes about two hours and passes through forest, past smaller shrines, and to viewpoints overlooking Kyoto. The lower sections are crowded — this is one of Japan's most visited sites. But the crowds thin dramatically after the first major junction at Yotsutsuji, and by the upper reaches, you may have the path to yourself. The light filtering through the gates shifts with the weather and time of day; early morning and late afternoon are best. The shrine is free and open 24 hours. Some photographers come at dawn or dusk for the light; others at night, when the path is lit by stone lanterns. For Scandinavians used to forest walks, the torii trail offers a familiar rhythm — the meditative quality of putting one foot in front of the other — in an unfamiliar and extraordinary setting.
Good to know
- Thousands of vermilion torii gates
- Full mountain hike takes about 2 hours
- Free entry, open 24 hours
- Crowds thin after the Yotsutsuji junction
- Best at dawn, dusk, or night
Location
- 68 Fukakusa Yabunouchicho, Fushimi-ku, Kyoto 612-0882
- Nearest station: Kyoto Station
- From Tokyo: ca 2 h 15 min med shinkansen
- Best time to visit: Evening