Admire true spiritual masterpieces of Fushimi Inari Shrine
A pleasant day hike to the summit of Mt. Inari-san not only offers stunning panoramic views of southern Kyoto, but also be the best way to see all of Fushima Inari Shrine. Also known as Fox Shrine, Fushima Inari Shrine is one of Japan’s most popular shrines dedicated to Inari, the god of rice and sake, now commerce and business. The shrine is famous for its thousands of vermilion torii (Shinto shrine gates) that were donated by Japanese individuals and companies, straddling a network of trails behind the main buildings up the mountain to many smaller shrines. As you explore the area, you will see dozens of atmospheric sub-shrines sprawling across the wooded slopes and hundreds of stone foxes all over the grounds. The fox is believed the messenger of Inari and the keys often seen in their mouth are for the rice storehouse in ancient times. The hike is ideal for taking photos of nature and the seemingly endless arcades of red torii, one of the most impressive and famous images of Japan.
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