Kyoto in Photos: Fushimi Inari Shrine

Part 6 of 10

Place: Fushimi Inari Taisha (Shrine)

Getting there: Just southwest of Kyoto Station. I took a bus there, but they run infrequently. The train is a better option. Get on the JR Nara line at Kyoto Station and get off at the JR Inari Station stop.

Essential Information: Fushimi Inari Shrine is dedicated to Inari, traditionally the Japanese god of rice (and sake). Over time, followers' prayers to Inari have shifted away from agricultural concerns towards modern industry and business. It is the largest and most important Inari shrine of the 40,000 in Japan. Fushimi Inari is known for its torii, traditional Shinto gates, which have mostly been donated by business people to recognize success (or petition for it).

My Take: You might recognize this place if you have seen Memoirs of a Geisha (um, ahhhh, not that I have or anything...). There is a ridiculous number of torii here (over 10,000), creating a series of walking paths through the wooded grounds. The guidebooks all say to come here to experience the stillness of the woods as the sun sets, but I came first thing in the morning and got the same experience. I barely saw any other people, so it was relaxing and serene. Unfortunately, the morning sun is at the wrong angle for photos, but I did my best!

Looking through the torii near the entrance to the shrine

Another torii, with steps leading towards the rear of the shrine

An old stone with Japanese writing. I would love to tell you what it says... But I have no clue. I just thought the moss growing on the stone made it interesting.

Thousands of torii line pathways through the woods

Torii, a symbol of prosperity, are often donated in celebration of or hope for acheiving success in business. Donors typically add an inscription, sometimes containing their name.

Looking through yet another torii towards the main part of the shrine

The main hall

A fox peers across the shrine's courtyard. Foxes are thought to be messengers of Inari, and are thus located frequently throughout the shrine.

The front gate, as seen through a torii