Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine
About the Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine
The Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine is one of Japan’s most popular tourist destinations. Located in Kyoto, this Shinto Shrine is the head shrine of the god Inari. It is believed that there are close to 32,000 sub-shrines for Inari in Japan.
The highlight of the shrine is rows of thousands of Shinto Torii, known as Senbon Torii. Visitors will also see many statues of foxes. Foxes are popular in Inari Shrines as they are seen as the messengers.
The Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine dates back to the year 711 AD. The main building, or go-Honden, was built in 1499, and the Senbon Torii began to line the pathways around the year 1603.
In addition to the shrines and Torii, there is a path that leads up to a mountain, which is also named Inari. At the top is another Shinto Shrine. I set out to make it to the top, but after walking about a third of the way, I became too tired and ran out of water. I decided to turn off the path and take a loop route back to the go-Honden or main shrine.
Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine - Table of Contents
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Getting to the Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine
The Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine is easily accessible from the Inari Station. The shrine is literally across the street from the station, and within minutes I was ready to enter. There was no entry fee to enter the shrine, but there was a brief bag check. The security agent looked in my backpack and then let me through.
On the way out, I walked about one half of a mile to a different train station. The Fushimi Inari Station was on a separate line and would take me back to Kyoto’s central station.
Visiting the Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine
After entering by walking under a vast Shinto Torii, I walked past the go-Honden or main shrine. The go-Honden was filled with active worshippers, and I was careful not to disturb them. Past the go-Honden is a walkway that takes visitors through a pathway lined by thousands of Shinto Torii or Senbon Torii. After each set of Torii, there is a walkway that you can turn off to complete the loop.
The path continues to go up the side of the mountain until it eventually reaches the top of Mt. Inari. If you want to take pictures of the Torii, without visitors getting in your way, it would be a good idea to walk up past the first three Torii-lined pathways. After the third set, most of the people have left the walkway to return to the shrine.
This shrine was one of my favorite places I visited in Japan. The area was so clean, and I couldn’t believe how well the Torii was taken care of. There was no graffiti or garbage left on the ground. Despite having thousands of Torii, that were made out of wood, they were all in great shape. One of the tourists near me said that he heard that local businesses provided one Torii each. After some research, I learned that the Torii had been being donated since 1603. It is believed that wishes would come true in exchange for a donated Torii. Sometimes, Torii would be donated if a wish came true as well.
On the way down, I walked the loop which took me on a different route. I walked past hundreds of individual family shrines. Each was dedicated to the God Inari.
Kyoto Tours and Packages that Include the Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine
A tour is not necessary to visit the Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine. The Shrine is located very close to public transportation, is free to enter, and is open 24 hours. I know some people prefer to take tours and have the expertise of a local guide. I have listed four tours below that caught my eye. I am an affiliate partner of Viator. If you book a tour using one of the links below, I will receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. I would greatly appreciate it if you would consider booking using one of my links.
Prices are accurate as of May 2023.
 Kyoto Highlights Private Tour: Kinkakuji, Fushimi Inari Shrine, & Kiyomizudera - $186.01 Explore the famous temples and shrines of Kyoto and learn about the history of Buddhism and Shintoism in Japan in your very own private guided tour. See Kinkakuji, also known as the Golden Pavilion, a Zen temple in northern Kyoto famous for it’s stunning gold leaf covered exterior. Step back in time as you walk through the thousands of red torii gates at Fushimi Inari Shrine. Discover the breathtaking views of Kiyomizudera Temple. Learn about the history of Kyoto and the lives and beliefs of the local people. Explore the spiritual side of Japan and book your TripleLights Kyoto private tour today. |
 Kyoto Best Day Tour in Arashiyama, Fushimi Inari Shrine, and Kinkaku-ji Temples - $84.11 This tour will bring you to visit Arashiyama, Kinkakuji temple & Fushimi Inari Shrine in a day! |
 ?Fushimi inari shrine?A local born in Kyoto shares the secret path away tourists - $165.79 ?About me? |
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