Fushimi Inari Shrine (Fushimi Inari Taisha)
Fushimi Inari Taisha is located in southern Kyoto and it is one of the most important Shinto shrines in the city. It owns its popularity to thousands of vermillion torii(gates) which lead to the wooded forest of the sacred Mount Inari. Inari is the God of rice and this shrine is the most important shrine dedicated to Inari. The main structure of the shrine is built in the late 15th century.
The walk to the top of the mountain and back lasts about 2-3 hours. Along the way there are several smaller shrines with smaller gates and restaurants which offer local dishes. A beautiful view over Kyoto stretches from the Yotsutsuji intersection which is located half way up the mountain.
Tours That Go to Fushimi Inari Shrine (Fushimi Inari Taisha)
The Alternative Fushimi Inari Walking Tour
The Fushimi Inari Shrine is more than its famous tunnels of vermillion-red torii gates. Dive deep into the world of Inari with this 4-hour narrated walking tour about dragons, political resistance, and the story behind Japan’s most successful religious franchise.
Guided by a Singaporean living 5 minutes away from Fushimi Inari.
★★★★★ 5 star reviews on TripAdvisor.
Did you know
...Read moreThe Fushimi Inari Shrine is more than its famous tunnels of vermillion-red torii gates. Dive deep into the world of Inari with this 4-hour narrated walking tour about dragons, political resistance, and the story behind Japan’s most successful religious franchise.
Guided by a Singaporean living 5 minutes away from Fushimi Inari.
★★★★★ 5 star reviews on TripAdvisor.
Did you know
- You can send postcards to Oseki-san, a god on Mt Inari, to ask for deliverance from severe coughs and breathing difficulties
- Fushimi-Inari is the only shrine complex in Japan where there are more private shrines (a whooping 10,000!) than official shrines
- The real stars of Mt Inari are neither the torii gates nor the foxes—the hidden streams, waterfalls, and great cedar trees off the main trail are
This tour:
- Is held in English
- Runs daily except Tuesdays from 8:30am – 12:30pm
- An intimate experience: Limited to 8 travelers per group
- Takes 4 hours with multiple breaks in between
The route:
- Departs from the big torii gate at the entrance
- Goes off the beaten track: visit private shrines not on the official map
- Brings you to a scenic view of southern Kyoto City
- Give you on a closer look at healing shrines
- Takes you on a hidden route to nearby Tofukuji Temple (optional entry to the Hojo costs ¥400). You will be guided to nearby Tofukuji Station after.
You’ll learn about:
- The Hindu and Buddhist origins of some of the symbols
- The Korean and Tang Dynasty Chinese influence on Mt Inari
- Mystical practices and folk beliefs not written about in the official narrative
- The Edo-era craze about foxes and Inari Shrines
- The portrayal of the shrine in 19th century manga, and 21st century anime
The 30,000-strong Inari network of shrines is the largest in Japan. The Fushimi Inari is regarded as the head shrine for them all. But why did people flock to this 233-meter mountain in the first place? Let XJ take you on a tour through time and controversy in the Alternative Fushimi Inari Walking Tour.
The Alternative Fushimi Inari Walking Tour
The Fushimi-Inari Shrine is more than its famous tunnels of vermillion-red torii gates. Dive deep into the world of Inari with this 3.5-hour narrated walking tour about dragons, political resistance, and the story behind Japan’s most successful religious franchise.
Guided by a Singaporean living in Fushimi.
...Read moreThe Fushimi-Inari Shrine is more than its famous tunnels of vermillion-red torii gates. Dive deep into the world of Inari with this 3.5-hour narrated walking tour about dragons, political resistance, and the story behind Japan’s most successful religious franchise.
Guided by a Singaporean living in Fushimi.
Did you know- Fushimi-Inari is the only shrine complex in Japan where there are more private shrines (a whooping 10,000!) than official shrines
- Some fox statues have special bibs – you’ll have to look carefully – and they are all put up by devotees, not the shrine itself
- You can send postcards to Oseki-san, a god on Inariyama, to ask for deliverance from severe coughs and breathing difficulties
- Is held in English
- Runs daily except Tuesdays from 8:30am – 12:00 noon
- An intimate experience: Up to 8 travelers per group
- Takes 3.5 hours with short breaks in between
- Departs from the big torii gate at the entrance
- Goes off the beaten track: visit private shrines not on the official map
- Takes you to the top for an scenic view of southern Kyoto City
- Brings you on a closer look at craftsmens’ shrines and healing shrines
- The Hindu and Buddhist origins of some of the symbols
- Mystical practices and folk beliefs not written about in the official narrative
- The portrayal of the shrine in anime and pop culture
User reviews
Re: Fushimi Inari Shrine (Fushimi Inari Taisha)
can feel the Tang style of Ancient China,
