Fushimi Inari Taisha is a Shinto shrine in the Fushimi Ward of Kyoto, in Japan's Kansai Region. It is dedicated to Inari, and it is known above all for its thousands of vermillion torii gates, which line paths up the mountainside behind the shrine buildings and form long, glowing tunnels.
What to expect
The shrine's lower grounds hold the main halls and are a calm place to walk through before heading up the hill. The gates are the reason most visitors come. Each one is a freestanding arch, and as you climb, they close in around the path, so the view changes with every turn. Paths branch off in several directions, and the gates continue along them, so you can go a short distance or spend a longer time exploring the wooded slopes.
Planning your visit
- Location: 68 Fukakusa Yabunouchicho, Fushimi Ward, Kyoto, 612-0882, Japan
- Contact: +81-75-641-7331
- Also known as: Fushimi Inari Shrine
Wear comfortable shoes, since the paths climb and can be uneven. Dress for the weather, as much of the route is open to the air.
The area around it
The shrine sits in Fushimi Ward, within the wider city of Kyoto, so it pairs well with other visits across the city. A walk through the gates is a good way to spend part of a day in the area, and the surrounding neighbourhood is easy to reach by local transport from central Kyoto.
