- Fushimi Inari Taisha is the head shrine of over 30,000 Inari shrines that account for 1/3 of the total Shinto shrines in Japan.
- Since 711 AD, Inari Ohkami (originally a god of rice) and its shrine have been visited by worshipers to pray for good harvests and business success.
- In the recent years, Fushimi Inari Taisha receives over 2.7 million visitors every year in the first three days over the Japanese New Year, which makes it the top visited shrine in the western Japan.
Inari-yama, the sacred mountain
- Inari-yama is the sacred mountain, and no one was allowed to enter the mountain until about 100 years ago except for hatsu-uma day of the year.
- As many as 10,000 shrines for different deities were originally built by the believers of Inari to show their dedication to Inari Ohkami.
- Worshipers pay visit to Inari-yama to pray to those deities for business success, wealth & prosperity, health, fertility and child birth, and for various wishes.
- The vermillion torii gates in various sizes are dedicated to Inari Ohkami and other deities for prayers and to show their gratitude.
Symbols of Inari
- Pure white foxes are regarded as the messengers of Inari Ohkami.
- Japanese Cedar is considered as sacred tree in Inari Mountain.
- Thousands of Torii gates along the paths across Inari Mountain and small ones placed in front of small shrines are dedication from individuals and corporations. The tallest gate cost as much as US$10,000 to build and will stay there for over 12 years. The letters on torii gates indicate the name of dedicator and the date of dedication. Many of the tall gates are built by CEOs and directors of a company to wish for its business success and prosperity.
Recommended:
Walking through red torii gates and up the Inari-yama will be a very unique experience of your stay in Kyoto. It is highly recommended that you spare at least 2 hours for sightseeing and the hike.
Admission and Hours:
All day, Free entry at anytime
Address:
68 Yabunouchicho, Fukakusa, Fushimi-ku,
Kyoto-shi, Kyoto, 612-0882 Japan
Access:
Train
• 2 min walk from JR Nara Line, Inari station
• 5 min walk from Keihan Line, Fushimi Inari station *2 stops from Kyoto station
Bus
• Inari Taisha Mae stop
Access:
Train
• 2 min walk from JR Nara Line, Inari station
• 5 min walk from Keihan Line, Fushimi Inari station *2 stops from Kyoto station
Bus
• Inari Taisha Mae stop
Free parking available (enter through a path in front of JR Inari station)
Bicycle parking is also available in the parking space
Bicycle parking is also available in the parking space
