Visiting Fushimi Inari Shrine Kyoto Japan

Updated: Sep 10, 2019 @ 7:33 AM

visiting the fushimi inari entrance steps
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The entrance of Fushimi Inari temple, guarded by the foxes.

A visit to Kyoto, Japan would be incomplete without visiting the very colourful and absolutely picturesque Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine, located in the South East area of Kyoto.

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Over the years, the Fushimi shrine has become a must visit destination not just for the Japanese (the shrine is featured in some popular comics), but also for tourists thanks to movies like “Memoirs of a Geisha” and “Samsara”. I just wanted to see some of the 10,000 torii gates in the complex.

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Kyoto Red Gates:

visiting fushimi inari entrance gate
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Japanese gate: The first giant torii gate that you see upon approaching the Fushimi Inari shrine temple, just one of the many Kyoto red gates entrances to shrines.

Visiting Fushimi Inari Shrine: (One of the Best Kyoto Tourist Attractions)

How to get to Inari Shrine Kyoto:

It was very easy getting to the shrine which is located  at the base of Mt. Inari. We took the JR Nara line directly from the Kyoto central train station. From there, it was just about a ten minute ride to the Inari stop. The train was extremely crowded.  We were all headed there.

The shrine is almost directly across the street from the station exit. The big red gate welcomes you like it does at most other Japanese temples and shrines. Even though we had seen other shrines, this was still a thrilling one to visit. I have yet to see the movie, but l have seen enough pictures of the torii gates to be intrigued.

The Fushimi Inari temple really reminded me of our  Asakusa temple visit in Tokyo, but without the pagoda.

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Kyoto Shrine:

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Inari Shrine Kyoto Torii Gate: Some of the 10,000 torii gates at Fushimi Inari.  Wish l could read Japanese 🙂

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The Kyoto Shrine:

Fully exploring the grounds and all the five temples it contains takes approximately 4 hours of walking. Two hours to get up and another two to get back down. We did not do that! 🙂 . Neither did a lot of the people.

You can definitely see enough though going up like 2 sets of gates or so which is what we did. I imagine if you were a hiker, you would love the greenery up there and would be a great experience. Being  233 meters above sea level, it was a relief from the stifling heat of the city.

Shrine Ritual Cleansing:

People doing the cleansing ritual prior to entering the shrine. It is not compulsory.
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People doing the cleansing ritual prior to entering the Inari Kyoto shrine. It is not compulsory.

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Fushimi Inari History:

The Hata family dedicated the shrine to Inari, the Shinto god of rice and sake. It dates back to 711 A.D! Agriculture was a big part of the culture and as it diminished, the people prayed to the gods for prosperity. The Fushimi area still does a booming business in rice and sake so l think we can safely say that the prayers are still being answered.

One thing l wish we had done also was a sake brewery tour. I am not big on the traditional sake, but l know l would have like some of the fruity and sweet ones. Next time 🙂 . There are over 32,000 Shinto shrines across Japan, but this is the head shrine.

In early Japan, Inari was also a patron of business, worshiped by manufacturers and merchants. Each of the over 10,000 gates (torii) is donated by a business.

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Fushimi Inari shrine Kyoto – one of the many temples in the complex.

Fushimi Inari Shrine Fox:

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Kyoto shrine fox guard – Looks pretty fierce doesn’t it 🙂

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One thing you will notice while meandering the Inari temple is the presence of stone fox statues. They guard the entrance and are scattered all over the property. The fox is believed to be a messenger of Inari. There is usually a key hanging from their mouth which is for the rice granary.

Fushimi Inari Shrine Map:

Kyoto Fushimi Inari Shrine Map.
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Here is a map of the Inari Fushimi Shrine in Kyoto so you can get the lay of the land.

 

fushimi inari fox with key
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Inari Fox: I really loved the Fushimi fox statues scattered around one of Kyoto tourist spots, especially with the bibs 🙂

 

Not sure which one this is, but it was a nice constrast to all the red.
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The Kagura-Den within the Kyoto shrine, a music hall. It was a nice contrast to all the red.

This torii Kyoto orange gates are really something spectacular to see. It was crowded when we went so it was hard to get good pictures without a lot of patience. It’s doable however.

Your best bet is to take your pictures of the gates from the exit side as there are pauses in-between people coming out. Best to set your camera and wait for your shot.

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A little patience and you can get a clean shot.
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A little patience and you can get a clean shot of the the amazing red torii gates in Kyoto

Kyoto Attractions: One of the most popular tourist favorites is the Fushimi Inari shrine which is visited by millions yearly.  l can’t even imagine how bothersome it is to the people who live in the vicinity. There are houses leading right up to the entrance. The constant noise and people would drive me nuts.

The grounds are really lovely, but the neighbors must be over it by now :-)
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Fushim Inari taisha Kyoto. The grounds are really lovely, but the neighbors must be over it by now, you can see how close they are 🙂

 

visiting fushimi inari temple fox praying cards
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The Inari Fox praying cards for sale. I love the art work people do on their cards, so much talent 🙂

I would allow a fair bit of time to enjoy the scenery, especially the Japanese men and women who are all dressed up as Geishas and Harajuku girls. Going up higher, you can get a feel for what the trails look like. It is so lush and green up there.

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View from the second set of passage ways, you can imagine what a nice hike it would be.
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Kyoto hiking: View from the second set of passage ways, you can imagine what a nice hike it would be.

There is also a shop on your way out where they sell tons of fox shaped novelty items. Outside of the shrine, there is a whole street food scene   which we partook, specifically the octopus balls! Yummy :-).

On the whole, l think a visit to the Fushimi Inari is a to do if you visit Kyoto. It is free entry and open 24 hours, which makes it even better :-). We recommend touring with GetYourGuide for a skip the line experience at this amazing Kyoto shrine.

Fushimi Inari Shrine Hours:

The Shinto temple is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It is however often busy, especially between 9am and 3pm. Going early in the morning would be a bit better, or late at night. Japan is generally safe, but l wouldn’t want to be anywhere unfamiliar with me late at night.

The Fushimi Inari shrine entrance fee:

Zip! Nada! It’s free to enter and roam. This is a great way to spend a vacation day as you could spend several hours there if you decide to see all or most of the 10,000 torii gates with some Kyoto hiking! 🙂

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Fushimi Inari Temple #kyoto #japan #temple #fushimiinari #toriigates #inarifox #inaritemple #kyototemple #redgateskyoto
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Fushimi Inari Taisha – Kyoto Japan

 

 

What do you think of the Fushimi Inari Shinto shrine? Have you seen Memories of a Geisha? If so, do you remember the Fushimi Inari Shrine featured in it? Would you recommend me seeing it or should l give it a miss? Have you perhaps visited it?

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81 thoughts on “Visiting Fushimi Inari Shrine Kyoto Japan”

    • It certainly is beautiful 🙂 . I love octopus so it wasn’t really a big deal trying them, though l still prefer it fried. It tasted nice, but really, really hot.

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    • Oh my God, that’s so cool that you studied Japanese. I would love to be able to speak it. I hope you get to visit Japan. For you, it would be a blast at you would have a totally different experience. Yeah..the shrine really is a beaut.

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  1. Ha! Now I’m intrigued. I read “Memoirs” but never saw the movie. I’ll have to look out for it. The pictures are so beautiful and I agree with Ana ….octopus balls … ummm. ROTFL very brave indeed.

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  2. I’d totally plan on doing the hike when visiting this shrine. I bet it’s gorgeous up there. I don’t remember seeing this shrine in Memoirs….now I’ll have to rewatch it.

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    • So it must be worth seeing then if you can bear to see it again. Everybody recognizes it right off the bat as those torii gates are so unique to the shrine. I suppose the hike would be nice, and l think they have little places to buy water/drink along the way.

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  3. This is what I love about Japan, they are very good at preserving their temples. I’m sure it was one of the best visits you’e ever experienced. The shrine is definitely worth the trip!

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  4. It’s a beautiful place to see, specially the photo of the entrance and that of the torii gates. you must be so grateful to have lived this culture.

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    • Yes l am. I totally fell in love with Japan. The cleanliness and friendliness and beauty were fantastic. I’m so glad l got to see those gates, l’d seen them so much in pictures, it was gratifying :-). Thanks for the comment.

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  5. Of al the places in Japan, I love Kyoto the best 🙂 I visited several years ago and I wish I could visit again soon! I love your pictures (and yes, just a little patience for a clean shot!)

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    • We really enjoyed Kyoto too. We would have happily spent more time there. Like you, we would love to visit again. Thank you for the compliment and for the comment. It means a lot 🙂

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  6. I didn’t see the movie Memories of a Geisha but I have read another very good book with the action taking place in Kyoto. It’s one of my dreams to get to visit Kyoto, see those beautiful toriis and meet a real Geisha. You are so lucky for being able to do this!

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    • I had so hoped we would see a real geisha. I only saw one passing by in a cab and l wasn’t quick enough to get a picture 🙁 . I do feel very lucky and fortunate that we were able to take advantage of the error fare. It really is a beautiful place.

      Reply
  7. The architecture is amazing, always loved the look of these Japanese buildings and you have captured it very well in your pictures. It looks like an amazing place to visit 🙂

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  8. These pictures are great, Kem! I’m visiting Japan in September, and had only intended on visiting Tokyo. Now I feel like I need to add Kyoto! I think I can do it.

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    • Oh Keisha, l think you should. It’s gorgeous and ancient and you can feel the history intertwined with the newer places. There are so many shrines, and who knows maybe you’ll be lucky enough to spot a geisha. We tried for 2 days with no luck except for one who passed by too quickly in a cab. You will love Japan.

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  9. Your pictures are beautiful as always. So freaking incredible, I might have sucked it up and hiked up to the top. Only because I’ve hiked before. I would love to see a Geisha.

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    • Thanks so much Mimi 🙂 . You know afterwards, l saw a picture from the top and it had an incredible view of Kyoto from the mountain. That would have been awesome to see. I’ve never hiked, and wasn’t about to make it my first one either.. :-). Coming down might be fun, but going up?? 😉

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    • Thanks for reading. I love to experience new cultures too. There is so much to learn and l always find it interesting. The people were really friendly too :-).

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    • Yeah, it was really cool. I am so glad we made it there. Those torii gates were really nice to see, so red! I can’t even imagine how many tons of paint! 🙂

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  10. Your photos are always so vibrant and beautiful! I live in a tourist city – Washington, DC – and I get so annoyed when I just want to get to work or school or the store and go home, but there are people everywhere. I can’t imagine living right next to a tourist attraction!

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    • I know. I used to feel the same way in L.A too :-). It would sometimes take me an hour to go 7 miles to my job, especially in summer and the Hollywood Bowl events!!! Some of these neighbors were not just next to it, but live on the little street from the gate where l am in the picture to the top of the stairs. That has to be annoying as heck! Thanks so much for the compliment.

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    • Thank you 🙂 . I think l need to check out that movie, if only for the scenery. I wouldn’t mind re-visiting all of Japan and discovering more of it either.

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  11. Japan is definitely on my bucketlist. Love the culture and the have so many different temples and structures that make them unique and photo ops!

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    • It would have been totally awesome. I picture names like Nestle, Coca-Cola and cigarette companies or something along those lines as they seem to have all the fortune 🙂

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    • Glad to hear it. If you’re up to it, l hear the top of the trail has a wicked view of Kyoto. I hope you do visit. We loved Japan, l have gushed about it in a few posts now.. 🙂

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  12. I really like exploring new places and especially the religious places in different countries. I will keep this in mind when I visit the country.

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    • Me too. I love nothing more than visiting a new place and discovering places of worship and the people. I am sure you will enjoy all the shrines and temples all over Japan. We did 🙂

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  13. I have seen the movie too, but somehow this marvelous piece didn’t stick to my head – probably that’s the risk you’re facing when doing a movie about geishas :)) The temple does look amazing though, even without Geishas and walking through that passage must feel really, really special. I can only hope you have more coming from your trip to Japan!

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    • I still have to see the movie. Haha! Fede has seen it, but just like you, he doesn’t remember seeing the shrine at all 🙂 . Guess you had better things on your mind :-). Glad you said that about Japan posts. I was thinking people might be bored already..but l have a bit more to write..so you’re in luck 🙂 .

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  14. Spectacular. I read the book, Memories of a Geisha, years ago but now I’m thinking I should check out the movie also to see more of this marvelous temple. Love the rich vivid colors, the fierce foxes guarding the temple and the 10,000 gates. It looks like your patience paid off too – I would never have guessed that there were crowds of people around! Anita

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    • Haha! I have to admit it was more of his patience than mine ;-). I think you and l are probably the only people who have yet to see the movie..I think l will see if it’s on Netflix. I hear it’s good. It was really something to see, but wicked crowded. I was looking at some Japan guru guy and he said it’s best at night when there are no people and l watched him on youtube, but it looks wicked scary to me as l am a big chicken. The view from the top with the lights was awesome though :-).

      Reply
  15. Japan is actually on my bucket list, plus my husband wants to run their marathon in January or February. Great photos and recap. You give me something to look forward to.

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    • Good to hear! That’s awesome that he wants to do the marathon. Is it a 26 mile one too? I bet there will be awesome sights while running even though you wouldn’t be able to enjoy it too much. You will definitely love Japan. I would live there if l could afford it 🙂

      Reply
  16. ‘Love this post!

    I haven’t yet been but it’s “The Tall Young Gentleman’s” dream to go to Japan as he is obsessed with Japanese pop-comic-manga-computerworld-weird creatures culture! Every young boy’s dream I’m told! We’ve promised him a post-16 years old visit as a reward for the excellet school grades we are expecting to see in the next tw years!

    I haven’t seen Memories of a Geisha, but I have read the book! I keep seeing the torii gates everywhere! Lucky girl! 🙂

    Reply
    • Oh how lucky the Tall Young Gentleman is! He will absolutely love it. We saw a few manga shops, but did not go to the actual anime area of Tokyo. We had to prioritize our time, and we are just a bit too old ;-). The Fushimi is also featured in some manga stuff, so he will definitely like it. I think you need to just bring all your money and credit cards as l’ve heard it is impossible for kids not to spend a ton on anime :-).

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  17. What an amazing visit! Loved all the colorful photos, especially the one with the fox statue. Keep going, I am eager to see more of your adventures. Japan is so far from my country, Greece, it seems to be another world! 🙂

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    • Thanks Katerina, for the compliment :-). The fox statues were so cute. I have a couple more posts on our trip. It was such an awesome time. Your country is absolutely lovely too. I went years ago and visited Athens which l loved. I hope to visit Santorini as it looks so freaking beautiful :-). Thanks for the comment..and you’re right. japan is another world 🙂

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  18. This is one of my favorite places in Kyoto although we didn’t have sunshine as you did and the crowds made taking pictures a bit daunting. I loved seeing even a part of the shrine trail and just wish we’d had time to hike the full trail through the gates. Your photos are spectacular.

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    • Thanks for the compliment. I can understand why Fushimi Inari is one of your favorite places, we liked it a lot too..and those gates. Too bad about the weather when you visited. We had nice weather and enjoyed hiking for a little bit but l can just imagine how spectacular the views would be from the top :-).

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    • I hope you do get to Kyoto. Their shrines really are spectacular. There was one we went to with no photography allowed inside, but boy..were the gardens alone worth it.

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    • Thanks Carolina. Yeah.. I can’t imagine going all the way to the top, no matter how nice the weather. I really enjoyed seeing all the red gates. I keep thinking l have to see that movie just to see the gates. 🙂

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    • Truth be told, Japan was not on our radar either and honestly, after visiting Thailand, India and Japan, I would go back to Japan for sure but still don’t feel the urge to explore more of Asia as a whole, just doesn’t ring my bell. Asia and South America (Maybe Argentina for the food)…so l totally get it :-).

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  19. Fushimi inari is one of the most interesting kyoto shrines … the climb with the torii is tiring but it is worth the effort … so many people, but on working days one walks well. Not to go in the summer with the hot humid Japanese … I wrote an article about this (link in ID)
    Fascinating to know that there are over 40 thousand Inari shrines throughout Japan and Fushimi is the origin of all.

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    • I don’t think l would have had the energy to climb that many stairs. I’m not a young like you :-). It is definitely one of the most beautiful places l have ever seen. I can just imagine what the view would be like even further up. I thought l would be jaded after a while but l found that each shrine had something different to offer, but the common theme of the red ties them together. Thanks for the comment.

      Reply

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