Fushimi Inari Taisha (伏見稲荷大社) is the head shrine of Inari, located in Fushimi-ku, Kyoto, Japan. The shrine sits at the base of a mountain also named Inari which is 233 metres above sea level, and includes trails up the mountain to many smaller shrines which span 4 kilometers and takes approximately 2 hours to walk up.
Since early Japan, Inari was seen as the patron of business, and merchants and manufacturers have traditionally worshipped Inari. Each of the torii at Fushimi Inari Taisha is donated by a Japanese business. First and foremost, though, Inari is the god of rice.
According to TripAdvisor, Fushimi Inari Taisha is the No. 1 touristic place in Japan for foreign visitors. It is perhaps the single most impressive sight in all of Kyoto, bar none, and is the most important shrine in the entire city. A must see!
It is a stunning place and is extremely photogenic. It is located a mere 2.4 km away from the house and can easily be reached within 10 minutes by bicycle. And on the way, you can stop at another amazing place, Tofuku-Ji Temple, one of the best spot in Kyoto to admire the color of Autumn (Kouyou).
Quite a number of people are willing to rank Fushimi Inari Taisha as the single most impressive and important spot in all of Kyoto — we agree.
Practical Info
English address: 68 Yabunouchi-cho, Fukakusa, Fushimi-ku
Japanese address: 伏見区深草藪之内町68
Opening hours: Dawn to dusk
Admission: Free
Nearest Transport:
5 min walk from Inari Station, JR Nara line 10 min walk from Fushimi Inari Station, Keihan line
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Inari Okami, god of foxes
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Line of hundreds of tori
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Fushimi Inari Taishia Shrine
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Little tori to express one's wishes
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Ritual dance during the fire festival
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Ceremory during the fire festival
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Inari Okami, the god of foxes
