FUSHIMI INARI-TAISHA SHRINE OF KYOTO

Location: Japan, 〒612-0882 Kyoto Prefecture, Kyoto, Fushimi Ward, Fukakusa Yabunouchicho

Note: This is a part of my 6-day trip in Japan

Fushimi Inari-Taisha Shrine is awarded First Prize by Trip Advisor in the category "2016 Japanese site popular with foreign tourists" for the third year in a row.



Fushimi Inari Shrine (伏見稲荷大社, Fushimi Inari Taisha) is an important Shinto shrine in southern Kyoto. It is famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates, which straddle a network of trails behind its main buildings. The trails lead into the wooded forest of the sacred Mount Inari, which stands at 233 meters and belongs to the shrine grounds.

Approaching the Romon Gate

While the primary reason most foreign visitors come to Fushimi Inari Shrine is to explore the mountain trails, the shrine buildings themselves are also attractive and worth a visit. At the shrine's entrance stands the Romon Gate, which was donated in 1589 by the famous leader Toyotomi Hideyoshi. Behind stands the shrine's main building (Honden) and various auxiliary buildings.

The Romon Gate

Fushimi Inari is the most important of several thousands of shrines dedicated to Inari, the Shinto god of rice. Foxes are thought to be Inari's messengers, resulting in many fox statues across the shrine grounds. Fushimi Inari Shrine has ancient origins, predating the capital's move to Kyoto in 794.

Honden Building - the Shrine's Main Building

Washing of hands using fresh water which can be drink













Souvenir shops

Food stalls are very much visible on the left rear side of the Romon Gate offering a variety of Japanese delightful snacks and meals. Fish cake was my favorite then to buy. I was even able to buy a grilled slice of meat. It was delicious at 330 yen. Another thing is the presence of souvenir shops.

A tunnel of torii gates







TRANSPORT ACCESS

Fushimi Inari Shrine is located just outside JR Inari Station, the second station from Kyoto Station along the JR Nara Line (5 minutes, 140 yen one way from Kyoto Station, not served by rapid trains). The shrine can also be reached in a short walk from Fushimi Inari Station along the Keihan Main Line.

HOW TO GET TO AND AROUND KYOTO