Fushimi Inari Shrine, Kyoto 
A tunnel of torii at Fushimi Inari Taisha, Kyoto. Photo: Paul Vlaar.
The shrine building at dusk. Photo: Edward Faulkner.
Torii inscribed with company names. Photo
Brian Jeffery Beggerly.
Kitsune with key at Fushimi Inari. Photo
David Gardiner Garcia.
A Shinto priest performs rituals at the shrine. Photo
Erik Dunham.
Prayer boards and origami offerings. Photo
Brian Jeffery Beggerly.
Barrels of sacred sake. Photo
Brian Jeffery Beggerly.Fushimi Inari Taisha (Fushimi Inari Shrine) is a Shinto shrine dedicated to Inari, the god of rice, sake, and prosperity. "Fushimi" is simply the location, added to the name to distinguish it from other Inari shrines.
One of Kyoto's oldest (founded in 711 AD) and most revered Shinto shrines, Fushimi Inari serves as the headquarters for all the 40,000 shrines dedicated to Inari across Japan.
Originally the god of rice, Inari now governs the modern equivalent: success and prosperity in business. Fushimi Inari Shrine draws thousands of businessmen and tradespeople seeking blessings for their enterprises, especially at the first prayers of the New Year.
Fushimi Inari is noted for its remarkable sight of some 10,000 small torii (shrine gates) that arch over a long path up the hill behind the shrine. It takes about two hours to walk along the whole trail, and there are nice views of Kyoto from the top.
Donated and inscribed by businesses and individuals thankful for their prosperity, the long tunnel of torii is one of the most iconic visions of Kyoto.
If possible, visit Furshimi Inari near dusk — you'll be much more likely to wander alone through the tunnels of torii in the quiet woods, which is a magical experience as daylight fades.
Foxes are said to be the messengers of Inari, and stern bronze foxes (kitsune) can be seen throughout the shrine. Inari's foxes are generally considered helpful, but they have also been said to bewitch people. The keys that some of them hold in their mouths are for the rice granaries.
Along the hiking trail, small restaurants serve Kitsune Udon ("Fox Udon"), a noodle soup topped with pieces of aburaage (fried tofu), a treat favored by foxes. You can also try Inari sushi, which is fried tofu wrapped around sweetened rice.
Quick Facts
| Names: | Fushimi Inari Taisha, Fushimi Inari Shrine |
| Type of site: | Shinto shrine |
| Dates: | Founded 711; moved downhill in the 9th century |
| Location: | Fushimi-ku, Kyoto |
| Address: | 68 Fukakusa Yabu-no-uchi-cho, Kyoto, Japan |
| Hours: | Daily sunrise-sunset |
| Cost: | Free |
| Train: | JR Nara Line to Fushimi-Inari Station, then a 3-minute walk. From Tofuku-ji Station, go one stop south, toward Nara. |
Travel Resources
- Kyoto Guided Tours - city tours and day trips
- Kyoto Hostels - budget lodgings with no booking fees
- Kyoto Hotel Reviews - unbiased ratings from fellow travelers
- Kyoto Travel Forum - tips, advice, answers on Kyoto
Location Map
Below is a location map and aerial view of Fushimi Inari. Using the buttons on the left, zoom in for a closer look or zoom out to get your bearings. Click and drag the map to move around. For a larger view, see our Kyoto Map or get our free Google Earth download.
Article Sources
- Fodor's Japan, 17th ed.
- Fushimi Inari Taisha - Japan-Guide.com
- Fushimi Inari Shrine - Yamasa Institute
More Information
- Reviews of Fushimi Inari Shrine - TripAdvisor reviews
- Shinto - ReligionFacts
