Fushimi Inari Taisha is famous for its thousands of bright red Torii gates, which straddle over four kilometres of trails on Mt. Inari. These gates are known as ‘Senbon Torii’, meaning ‘thousand gates’.
In 711, the Hata clan established the shrine on the top of Mt. Inari and, after the emperor presented votive offerings to pray for rain in 852, the imperial messengers were repeatedly sent there. The shrine is dedicated to Inari, the Shinto god of rice, and is the headquarter of about 30,000 Inari shrines across Japan. As the role of agriculture in Japan diminished, the shrine also became connected with the deity of business prosperity.
More recently, the complex has become known for being one of the locations used in the movie Memoirs of a Geisha and is now one of Japan’s most popular sightseeing destinations.
Many of the vermillion Torii gates have been donated in the hopes that people’s wishes will come true and are inscribed with the donor’s name and date. The main gate was donated by Toyotomi Hideyoshi when his wish for his mother’s recovery from disease was realised. Miniature gates left by visitors and pilgrims can also be found at small shrines along the trails.
It is believed that Kitsune (foxes) are Inari’s Kenzoku (messengers). These foxes are unlike others that are found in the mountains; they are invisible, like gods, are worshipped by people. Statues of red-bibbed foxes can be found at the entrance and throughout the complex.
The original main building was burned down during the Onin Wars (1467-1477). A few decades later, in 1499, it was rebuilt and it is now designated as an Important Cultural Asset.
Visitors can follow the paths, through over 5,000 Torii gates, to the summit. The hike takes between two to three hours, however a popular viewpoint around 30 minutes into the route, offers a good alternative for those not wishing to do the full loop.
The hike, which can be done at any time of the day or night, takes visitors through the forest and up the mountain, past massha (smaller shrines affiliated with the main shrine), a lake and even graveyards. If begun in the late afternoon, hikers can enjoy the changing scenery as the sun sets and the quieter upper part of the complex takes on a mysterious aura.
Towards the beginning of the route, the path splits in two at Fushimi Inari’s most photographed spot. Either path will lead visitors around the complex, however it is customary to walk on the right in order to avoid congestion during busy times.
It is said that if you face the lake and clap your hands then look carefully in the direction that the sound echoes, it will lead you to someone who has lost their way.
Fushimi Inari is particularly popular during the new year period and during the Hatsuuma (in February), Inari (on the 3rd of May) and Hitaki (8th of November) festivals.
Entrance is free and the complex is always open. There are no rubbish bins on the paths, visitors must ensure to take all of their rubbish with them. Make sure to wear suitable hiking shoes and take plenty of water. Visitors are warned to beware of boars that have been seen in the precinct, especially at night.
SOURCES:
- Wanderlust Pocket Guides – Best of: Japan
- https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3915.html
- https://kyoto.travel/en/shrine_temple/180
- https://digjapan.travel/en/blog/id=11415
