Fushimi Inari Shrine Tourism

Fushima Inari Shrine is an important Shinto shrine in southern Kyoto, Japan. It is famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates, which straddle a network of trails behind its main buildings. The trails lead into the wooded forest of the sacred Mount Inari, which stands at 233 meters and belongs to the shrine grounds. Fushimi Inari is the most important of several thousands of shrines dedicated to Inari, the Shinto god of rice. Foxes (kitsune), regarded as the messengers, are often found in Inari shrines. A characteristic of these messengers is that they hold a key in their mouths, which is believed to open the rice granary. The shrine draws millions of visitors annually, especially during the Japanese New Year. The main pathway up the mountain is lined with a dense collection of torii gates, all donated by individuals, families, or companies grateful for their prosperity. These gates, collectively making up the Senbon Torii ("thousands of torii gates"), create an otherworldly experience as they arc over the paths and create tunnels of vibrant red that contrast with the surrounding greenery.