Located in 68 Fukakusa Yabunouchicho, Fushimi Ward, Kyoto City in Kyoto Prefecture, Fushimi Inari Taisha / Fushimi Inari Shrine (伏見稲荷大社) is the head shrine of Inari. It serves as the general headquarters of all 30,000+ shrines dedicated to Inari. It is one of the oldest shrines in Kyoto. It can be found t the base of Mount Inari and is one of the most visited places in Kyoto.
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| Fushimi Inari Taisha |
Fushimi Inari Shrine history
The earliest structures of Fushimi Inari Shrine were built in 711 on Inariyama hill in the southwestern part of Kyoto. The shrine was then relocated in 816 upon the request of the monk Kukai. The main shrine, however, was built sometime in 1499. Fushimi Inari Shrine became an object of imperial patronage during the early Heian period.
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| Fushimi Inari Shrine - Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture |
Inari, as you may know, is the god of rice and aside from that the patron of business. Because of that, The shrine is frequented by businessmen wishing for success in their business. Some of these businessmen (those who became successful) donated hundreds (probably thousands)
torii to Fushimi Inari Taisha. These orange traditional Japanese gates serve as gates for sacred places.
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| The Romon as seen from the Ni-no-Torii |
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| The Romon... Toyotomi Hideyoshi's donation for the recovery of his sick mother. |
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| Naihaiden (the inner hall of worship) |
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| Gaihaiden (the outer hall of worship) |
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| Team Nicerio visits Fushimi Inari Shrine |
Fushimi Inari Shrine was the first place that we have visited during the 9th day of our 2014-2015 Japan trip. I was amazed by the number of tourists visiting the shrine. The first time I saw this number of people flocking to one place was in Universal Studios Japan.
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| Inside the pathway lined up with torii gates |
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| Run Ella! Run! |
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| My wife seems to be having some fun. |
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| Team Nicerio visits Fushimi Inari Shrine |
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What I like about Fushimi Inari Taisha is the sight of the hundreds of torii gates lined up in the compound. It gives a dramatic effect to the pictures that I take and also makes the place unique compared to the other historical places in Kyoto. I also enjoy taking pictures of the kitsune (fox) statues (They are the guardians of the shrine) scattered around the vicinity.
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| A Komainu or guardian dog holding what seems to be a sickle (but this one is a fox) |
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| Another Komainu holding a fruit |
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| One of the entrances/exits of the vicinity |
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| These are Kitsune Emas which are used to write down prayers or wishes |
Given a chance I'd like to hike up to the peak of Mt. Inari one day. In that way, I'd get to see all the parts of Fushimi Inari Shrine particularly the Ichinomine shrine which is at the peak of Mt. Inari.
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| The place where visitors could wash/purify their hands... |
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| ... using specialized water dippers in the chozuya |
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| Team Nicerio visits Fushimi Inari Shrine |
Fushimi Inari Shrine Entrance Fee:
It's FREE to enter Fushimi Inari Shrine and explore its vast grounds.
Fushimi Inari Shrine Operating Hours:
Fushimi Inari Shrine is open 24/7.
Why visit Fushimi Inari Shrine?
Overall, Fushimi Inari Shrine is a place of unique beauty and appeal. It's one of the most beautiful places to see in Kyoto City. I just have to warn you though, expect a huge crowd when you visit.
Getting to Fushimi Inari Shrine:
From Kansai International Airport, ride a JR Haruka Limited Express line to Kyoto Station. From there, you could ride a taxi going to the shrine.
Another option is to ride the JR Nara line from Kyoto Station and board down Inari Station. From there, Fushimi Inari Taisha is just a few meters away.
Ratings:
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| Crowd |
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| Cleanliness |
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| Overall rating |
The colours and the experience looks so nice to enjoy.
ReplyDeleteThanks Juli.
DeleteOh I love the pictures. I had read some months ago about the importance of fox spirit in Japanese cultures. I forgot what those spirits are called!
ReplyDeleteThey are called kitsune.
DeleteI'm a big fan of Japan culture and traditions. I think they've come a long way as a country. Looking at your pictures amazed me how much of their culture is embody to their structures.
ReplyDeleteThank you Nina. =)
DeleteAsia is on Our list to go in 2019 ! thanks for sharing that!
ReplyDeleteI hope to you visit Japan and the Philippines.
DeleteAll of the bright colors and those gates...Very pretty.
ReplyDeleteIt really is. =)
DeleteYou seemed to have enjoyed that visit interesting visit A visit to Japan seems to foster an awareness of its religious culture.
ReplyDeleteI love everything that talks about history and culture.
DeleteThank you for sharing this! We leave for Japan next month and I cannot wait to experiene Kyoto!!
ReplyDeleteGo go go! I would love to see your Kyoto trip Sarah. =)
DeleteI might have to add this destination to my list! What a beautiful family!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Aleese. =)
DeleteLooks beautiful. I'm sure it's worth battling the crowds. I still need to get to Japan. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThanks Jared. =)
DeleteWow!! Really enjoy reading your travel blogging here. Absolutely love Japan & wish I can personally travel to this area of Japan I love to travel around too :D cheers, siennylovesdrawing
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for the kind words Sienny. =)
DeleteYour pictures are beautiful! And the information about the shrine is so interesting.
ReplyDeleteThank you! =)
DeleteI love the places you visit. Although i will not have the privilege to travel to most of the countries. this is a great way to read and see places
ReplyDeleteHow come? =( I hope you get to visit Japan too.
DeleteVery famous shrine and photogenic gates. I haven't been there but some former students went there to get professional pictures taken with the gates. Glad you enjoy it!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Aisasami. You should come visit.
DeleteThis seems like a place that should definitely be on my travel radar. I have not read much about Kyoto though! Thanks for the info. This will help me plan better!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much. You should come visit.
DeleteBuilt in 711!!! That is so freaking cool. I am obsessed with old and ancient places and structures. There's something you can feel when you're in a place like that. Cool post. I like the guard dogs too.
ReplyDeleteThis one is one of the oldest but you'd be surprised to find out that there are more temples and shrines older than this one.
DeleteWe will be visiting Japan next year, your pictures have made me even more eager, so beautiful!
ReplyDeleteThanks Evelyn. =)
DeleteIt looks like a beautiful place. Amazing architecture and such vibrant colors. I liked the fox heads to write down the wishes.
ReplyDeleteIt's really a beautiful place. =) You should come see.
DeleteI love Japan! I wish I will visit that place someday! Lucky you guys!
ReplyDeleteThanks Maysz. You'd visit that too someday. =)
DeleteKyoto has always been a famous spot to visit in Japan, it receives throngs of tourist both locally and internationally. I wish I could also drift myself to that direction knowing Japan is not really an affordable country to backpack. Thanks for posting.
ReplyDeleteI would love to read about Kyoto someday in your blog.
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