Aug. 07, 2020 UPDATE
Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
- 伏見稲荷大社 -Traveler Friendly
There are staff members who speak English. You can also use the audio guide by scanning the QR codes on the guide signs around the grounds with your smartphone or mobile phone. In addition to Japanese, the audio guide supports English, Chinese, and Korean.
Information
English, Chinese, Korean
Languages spoken
English
Story & Recommendation
A magical space of beautiful vermilion torii gates
Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine is a popular shrine visited by many tourists from both Japan and abroad. It is dedicated to Inari, one of the Japanese kami, or deities. Inari is the god of rice and a patron of business. There are roughly 30,000 shrines in Japan dedicated to Inari, but Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine is the head shrine (the principal shrine dedicated to a particular kami).
Worshiping at Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine is said to bring prosperity in business and bountiful harvests. Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine is most famous for the Senbon Torii, or thousand gates. This beautiful tunnel of vermilion torii gates has an air of mystery and provides an impressive sight as you pass through. There are over 10,000 of these torii gates arranged in rows on the shrine grounds. An audio guide that can be used with your smartphone or mobile phone is also provided to help overseas visitors enjoy the experience more. The guide supports English, Chinese, and Korea and you can listen to the commentary about different areas of the shrine by scanning the QR codes around the grounds.
The nearest station to Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine is Inari station, which is just a 5-minute train ride from Kyoto Station. The entrance to the shrine is right outside the station, making it super convenient to get to. Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine is one of the spots you absolutely must visit when sightseeing around in Kyoto.
Worshiping at Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine is said to bring prosperity in business and bountiful harvests. Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine is most famous for the Senbon Torii, or thousand gates. This beautiful tunnel of vermilion torii gates has an air of mystery and provides an impressive sight as you pass through. There are over 10,000 of these torii gates arranged in rows on the shrine grounds. An audio guide that can be used with your smartphone or mobile phone is also provided to help overseas visitors enjoy the experience more. The guide supports English, Chinese, and Korea and you can listen to the commentary about different areas of the shrine by scanning the QR codes around the grounds.
The nearest station to Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine is Inari station, which is just a 5-minute train ride from Kyoto Station. The entrance to the shrine is right outside the station, making it super convenient to get to. Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine is one of the spots you absolutely must visit when sightseeing around in Kyoto.
1Highlight
Senbon Torii - Also Known as ”Thousand Gates”
This is a tunnel made up of rows of vermilion torii gates. The continuous stretch of gates is truly a sight to see. You won’t be able to resist taking pictures. The torii gates are offerings from people all over Japan who revere and respect the shrine. Each one represents both made and granted wishes. The names of the people and companies who made the offerings are inscribed on the backs of the torii gates, so be sure to check them out.
2Highlight
Fox Statues
Foxes are said to be the servants of Inari and mediators between Inari and the people who worship Inari. You can see statues of foxes everywhere around the grounds of Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine. If you look closely, you will see that each one is holding something in its mouth. There are four different types of objects: balls, keys, rice plants, and scrolls. Try to find all four statue types around the grounds!
3Good Experiences
Lifting the Omokaru Stones
After passing through the Senbon Torii, or “thousand gates,” there are two garden lanterns standing just beyond the exit. You can try lifting the Omokaru Stones that rest on top of each lantern. Before lifting the Omokaru Stone, you should make a wish first. Next, imagine the weight of the Omokaru Stone. When you finally lift it, it is said that your wish will come true if it is lighter than you imagined, but will not if it is heavier. Be aware that there is often a line of people waiting to try and lift the Omokaru Stones.
4Good Experiences
Follow the Route Around Mt. Inari
The majority of the Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine grounds are taken up by Mt. Inari. The route around Mt. Inari takes about two to two and a half hours to complete. There are also many slopes with stone staircases. If you have the stamina and time to spare, follow the route and see the fantastic view from the summit. There are shops along the way selling souvenirs, drinks, and the like. There are also several tea shops, so take a break if you are feeling tired.
- Manner & Tips -
The grounds have many slopes and stone staircases, so it is recommended you wear shoes that are easy to walk in. When walking, keep to the right as a general rule. Be careful not to take up the whole path when walking. The area around the torii gates gets crowded with people taking photos. Be considerate of others when taking photos.
