About Fushimi Inari Taisha
Fushimi Inari Taisha is the head shrine of approximately 30,000 Inari shrines nationwide, founded in 711 (Wado 4). The entire Inari Mountain in Fushimi Ward, Kyoto City, is considered sacred ground, and the approach to the shrine, from the foot of the mountain to the summit, is lined with approximately 10,000 donated torii gates.
It is one of Kyoto’s representative shrines, consistently ranking high in rankings of Japanese tourist destinations chosen by foreign tourists.
Deities and Blessings
Main Deity
Fushimi Inari Taisha enshrines Ukanomitama-no-Okami as its main deity, along with five other deities. Inari deities are gods of grain and have been worshipped as gods of business prosperity, abundant harvests, and family safety.
Main Benefits
- Business Prosperity and Success: Since the Edo period, it has attracted the faith of merchants, and many business owners also visit.
- Abundant Harvest and Agricultural Prosperity: The core of the original Inari faith.
- Family Safety and Traffic Safety: As a guardian deity for all aspects of life.
- Improvement in Performing Arts: Many people in the performing arts also visit.
Highlights of the Senbon Torii
What is the Senbon Torii?
The most distinctive feature of Fushimi Inari Taisha is the “Senbon Torii”, a tunnel-like network of vermilion torii gates. In reality, there are approximately 10,000 torii gates, which have been continuously donated by worshippers from the Edo period to the present day, either as a way to have their wishes granted or as a token of gratitude for their wishes coming true.
Photo Spots
- The Senbon Torii in front of the Okusha Worship Hall: The most famous photo spot. A distinctive feature is the two-way split approach to the shrine.
- Early morning visit recommended: Before 7 AM, there are fewer people, allowing you to enjoy the mystical atmosphere all to yourself.
- Time of day with sunlight: The morning is ideal, as the vermilion color looks its most beautiful.
Points to remember when visiting
Visiting Route
- Visiting the Main Shrine (Time required: approx. 30 minutes)
- Visit the main gate → outer worship hall → main shrine.
- This is sufficient for basic worship.
- From the Thousand Torii Gates to the Inner Shrine Worship Hall (Time required: 1 hour round trip)
- Pass through the Thousand Torii Gates to the Inner Shrine Worship Hall.
- Experience fortune-telling with the “Omokaru Stone” to make a wish.
- Circumnavigating Mt. Inari (Time required: 2-3 hours)
- Climb to the summit, Ichinominé (elevation 233m).
- Recommended for those confident in their physical fitness. Athletic shoes recommended
Omokaru Stone
Located at the inner shrine’s worship hall, the “Omokaru Stone” is a popular spot where visitors make a wish while lifting the top stone of a stone lantern. It’s believed that if it’s lighter than expected, the wish will come true; if it’s heavier, it’s less likely to come true.
Points to Note When Visiting
- 24-hour worship is possible, but be aware that lighting is limited at night.
- Mountain paths are slippery: Pay particular attention to your footing during rainy weather and winter.
- Consider the time required: 30 minutes for the main shrine only, 1 hour for a round trip to the Senbon Torii (thousand torii gates), and 2-3 hours to the summit.
- Restaurants are only at the foot of the mountain: Only vending machines are available on the mountain.
Annual Events
- Hatsuuma Taisai (First Horse Day in February): The most important festival, commemorating the day Inari Okami descended.
- Honmiya Matsuri (First Sunday or public holiday after the start of the Doyo period in July): Approximately 10,000 lanterns are lit on the grounds during the eve of the festival.
- Hitaki Matsuri (November 8th): Fire offerings from worshippers nationwide are burned.
Access Information
Access by Train
- JR Nara Line “Inari Station”: 5 minutes from Kyoto Station, short walk from the station (most convenient)
- Keihan Main Line “Fushimi Inari Station”: 5 minutes walk from the station
- City Bus “Inari Taisha-mae”: Approximately 15 minutes from Kyoto Station on the South 5 bus route
Access by Car
- Approximately 20 minutes from Meishin Expressway “Kyoto Minami IC”
- Parking: Free parking available (approximately 200 cars), however, it gets crowded during the New Year’s period and on holidays
- Many coin parking lots nearby
Visiting Hours and Admission Fee
- Visiting Hours: Open all day (Shrine office open from 7:00 to 18:00)
- Admission Fee: Free
- Address: 68 Fukakusa Yabunouchi-cho, Fushimi-ku, Kyoto City, 612-0882
- Inquiries: 075-641-7331
Nearby Tourist Attractions
- Tofuku-ji Temple: 15-minute walk, famous for its autumn foliage
- Sennyu-ji Temple: 20-minute walk, a temple associated with the Imperial family
- Fushimi Sake Breweries: Within walking distance, including the Gekkeikan Okura Memorial Museum
Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine is a must-see attraction in Kyoto, combining historical value with visual beauty. We recommend taking your time to visit and enjoy a leisurely stroll.
