The mountain with ten thousand gates, Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrinefeatured

The Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine built at the base of Inari Mountain, is said to be the most famous of several thousands shrines dedicated to Inari, the Shinto God of rice and prosperity. More than 10,000 red torii gates straddles the stone pathway leading up to Inari Mountain. Every single one of those gates has been donated by an individual, or an organization from around the world. Their names and the date in which it was purchased are inscribed on the gates in Japanese characters.

We took the Kyoto City Bus from the Kyoto station bus stop, and was dropped at the Fushimi-Inari-Taisha bus stop. Since the walk to the main entrance is about 8 minutes on foot, we were able to enjoy the many food stalls leading toward the shrine. Travelling through Asia, you will realize that street food reigns supreme. For me, the best and most authentic foods wasn’t found in large fancy restaurants, but in the stalls or carts lining up quiet alley and busy streets. So of course we took advantage of the variety of food options at the stalls, since the prices are a lot cheaper than most restaurant and is definitely as filling and satisfying as one.

As you enter the large main torii gate you will see multiple shrines and souvenir shops. While the primary reason most foreigners visit the Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine is to explore the mountain trails, the shrine’s main building Honden, and its various auxiliary buildings themselves are also beautiful and worth exploring. If you are planning on a day hike here, I would recommend making your souvenir purchases earlier on rather than later. We came around 2 pm, and by the time we trekked all the way atop the mountain and back down, it was already 6 pm, and all the shops were closed. Anyways, once we were done eating, viewing the many beautiful shrines, and cute souvenir shops, we made our way up the stairs through the 10,000 torii gates.

As you travel through the gates and enter the many small shrines, you will come across hundreds of stone foxes. The fox is considered the messenger of Inari, the god of rice, agriculture and industry, and stern bronze foxes (kitsune) can be seen throughout the shrine. The key often seen in the fox’s mouths are for the rice granaries. Inari foxes are generally considered helpful, but the Japanese traditionally see the fox as a sacred figure capable of bewitching humans.

The main path is about a 2 hour walk to the top, starting at the bottom of the mountain at the main shrine complex. We spent around 3 hours just leisurely exploring the mountain path and enjoying its many small sub-shrines off the main pathway. Since we were taking our time, the sun was slowly setting as we were halfway to the top, creating a mysterious, almost haunting experience, especially if you believe in the spirits of the forest (I do).

People who wishes to pray for happiness, success in business or exams, but don’t have a large pocket can buy smaller ornamental sized gate with their name painted on it. These tiny torri can be seen everywhere resting askew on the smaller sub-shrines, or graves, or stacked up on fences. Regretfully, I didn’t buy one, but the next time I go, I will definitely purchase a few to commemorate my visit.

There’s a beautiful view of Kyoto near the top of the trail, and that is where most people end their journey, however, since we wanted to explore the whole of Fushimi Inari, we went all the way to the top. Trekking down the mountain when the sun has set, amid the many stone monuments and under the watchful eyes of the kitsune was a truly haunting experience. I wish I could have stayed longer, till dusk, when the tunnels of torii are lit up, but I’m just not brave enough.

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