Wondering what lies beyond those thousands of vermilion gates? Fushimi Inari Taisha is calling you to discover its secrets. It is Kyoto’s most important Shinto shrine. It is one of Japan’s most impressive attractions.
Fushimi Inari Taisha is the head shrine of Inari. Inari is the god of rice, sake, and prosperity. Merchants and manufacturers also see Inari as their patron. The shrine sits at the base of Mount Inari. Trails lead up the mountain to many smaller shrines. The trails span four kilometers. It takes about two hours to walk up.
Fushimi Inari Taisha was founded in 711. This makes it one of Kyoto’s oldest landmarks. Legend says a rice cake became a swan. The swan landed on a mountain peak where rice grew. This was a good sign. So, Inari Okami was enshrined on the plateau.
The shrine gained imperial support during the Heian Period. In 942, it was elevated to the highest rank for Shinto shrines. The main shrine was built in 1499. It is an Important Cultural Property of Japan. It contains five shrines. There is a lower shrine and a middle shrine. Also, there is an upper shrine and auxiliary shrines.
The Romon Gate stands at the entrance. Toyotomi Hideyoshi donated it in 1589.
Behind the main grounds is Senbon Torii. These are thousands of torii gates. They mark the start of a hiking trail. The trail has two dense rows of gates. This is why many visitors come to Fushimi Inari Taisha. Each torii gate was donated by a business or individual. They hope for good luck and fortune. The donor’s name is on the back of each gate.
People pray for good harvests and business success here. They also pray for their dreams to come true. Fushimi Inari Taisha has over 30,000 sub-shrines in Japan.
Foxes or kitsune are messengers of the gods here. You will see dozens of fox statues around the shrine. Some foxes hold keys in their mouths. These are keys to the rice granaries they protect.
The mountain where Fushimi Inari Taisha rests is a holy area. Smaller shrines and worshiping stones are found throughout. Inari Shintoism began with mountain worship. Inariyama was designated as a place where a deity is enshrined.
Fushimi Inari Taisha is open 24 hours. There is no entrance fee. It is a short walk from Inari Station.
Fortune cookies may have originated here. Sweet shops near the shrine sell tsujiura senbei. These are a form of fortune cookie. They date back to the 19th century.
So, as you pass through the torii gates, remember the history. Remember the hopes and dreams that have passed before. Feel the presence of Inari. Let Fushimi Inari Taisha guide you.