Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine, Kinki, Japan

5Davesamtt 5:00 PM Feb 7, 2020

Torri Torri!!
There are many temples and shrines in Japan. Fyi, Temples are for Buddhist worship while shrines are for Shintoism worship. Fushimi Inari is therefore a Shinto shrine but unique with its never ending sea of iconic red/orange torri style gates arching over the pathway which in turn weaves its way up the mountain - over 10,000 gates to give you an idea of the treat you are in for. Given the path is up a mountain, the shrine is more than a building but an experience with the environment. Parking was easy enough and close for our guide to find. As you approach the entrance to the shrine - it will immediately strike you as spectacular. There is a grand avenue with lanterns on either side that leads to a large and beautiful torri gate. Lots of photo ops in all directions. I recall there was also a Shinto ceremony you can observe if you are there at the right time. Fox sculptures are another highlight from the entrance to the shrine and as you walk among the well kept and concrete path. They do have a significance you can learn about when you visit. The feeling is surreal as you walk up through the torri gates lining the pathway like trees and all shades of red and orange, accentuated by hanging lanterns of similar hue. The pathway sometimes opens up and is dotted by the occasional gift shop, lake views and cemetery. You may also see workmen maintaining the torri gates demystifying its presence as the older wooden ones tend to rot. Throughout the shrine and it’s satellite buildings are a sea of red decorations. If you want to walk all the way to the top (I didn’t) and assuming you are reasonable fit, our guide said to plan for about 3hrs. One pleasant surprise is how friendly the Japanese at this busy tourist sight. One old lady in particular sat making paper cranes to give to the children without wanting anything in return. This shrine is unique to other Shinto shrines in Japan with its thousands of torri gates one after the other and well maintained to be a consistency of colour. It’s definitely a must see in Kyoto. There is a scene from the movie in Memoirs of a Geisha that was filmed there and showcases the steps leading to the torri gates. We did this shrine as part of a Kyoto tour with Novaland Tours who were beyond excellent in organizing the trip. We didn’t experience much crowds that others have reported on and I attribute this to Novaland’s advice as they put the itinerary together with specific times to avoid crowds. So they had encouraged me to move things around to my original schedule with this in mind. Other places we visited in Kyoto that I would recommend are Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, the famous Kinkakuji or Golden Temple, Samurai and Ninja Museum with the add-on lessons in samurai and ninja techniques, Togetsukyo Bridge and a cultural night show at Gion Corner.

5gsmyles 5:00 PM Nov 25, 2022

Keep Climbing to Escape Crowds- A Wondrous Unique Experience!
Have been to Kyoto many times and yet I had missed this amazing experience! My kids 10 and 14 enjoyed the 1000's of red gates and hiking up the mountain. At first it was a nightmare of crowds but as we climbed higher the path was more peaceful in the woods without being so crammed. We stopped for dango on the way and there were plenty of opportunities for photos. I do think that this visit is a few hours long and not just a quick peek. Definitely would go back again!