Fushimi Inari is best known for it’s 1,000 Torii gates which line paths up the mountain behind the main shrine. The path which is about 4KM long and takes about 2 hours to walk goes up Mt Inari and passes by a series of smaller shrines.
Fushimi Inari also known as the Fox shrine is located in Kyoto and is a major tourist destination. Most people go here to get Instagram photo’s with the Vermilion (Red) Torii gates that line the path. If you are going plan to walk further up the path to get away from the crowds or come up dawn when there are fewer people around.
When to go
If you want to get photo’s with the Torii alone or do not want a crowd arrive at the shrine around Dawn as more people come throughout the day. The lower Torii will be very crowded after 9AM.
In the Fall the changing leaves will complement the color of the Torii gates, this is usually in mid to late November.
What is nearby?
The Kyoto and Osaka areas have a lot of attractions around to visit.
- Ginkaku-Ji also known as the Silver Pagoda
- Kinkaku-Ji (Golden Pavillion)
- Shimigama Shrine
- To-Ji
- Nijo Castle
- Nara
- Nishiki Market
- Gion
How to get there?
Fushimi Inari is located just of the Fushimi-Inari station on the Keihan Main Line, or the Inari Station on the JR line.
The Address is:
68 Fukakusa Yabunouchicho, Fushimi Ward, Kyoto, 612-0882, Japan
Hours of Operation
The Torii gates are open 24 hours a day, however beware of foxes and monkeys that wander the mountain during the night. Also there is not a lot of lighting along the path at night outside of the shrines that line the path. Go at dawn if you want the gates to yourself.
Go during the day if you want to visit the shrine or eat and shop at the vendors within the temple complex and just outside leading to the train stations.
Cost
There is no charge to walk the Torii Gate path, The shrine sells the typical Fortunes, good luck charms and Ema. Food Vendors and other vendors do line the street and temple complex which makes a fun shopping and dining experience.
