Fushimi Inari Shrine

Where it is & how to get there

• Train: JR Inari Station (5 minutes from Kyoto Station), right at the entrance.
• Hike: The full loop to the summit takes 2–3 hours; most turn back at the Yotsutsuji viewpoint.
• Open: Open 24 hours.

The story of Fushimi Inari Shrine

Fushimi Inari Taisha is the head shrine of Inari, the Shinto spirit of rice and prosperity, and dates back to 711 AD. Businesses and individuals donate the torii gates, with their names written on the back.

Around 10,000 gates line the paths up Mount Inari, forming the famous Senbon Torii ("thousand gates"). Fox statues, seen as Inari's messengers, guard the shrines.

Best time to visit

Tips before you go

• Go at sunrise or late afternoon. The crowds thin out higher up.
• Go at sunrise for empty tunnels.
• Climb at least to the Yotsutsuji viewpoint over Kyoto.

What's around Fushimi Inari Shrine

• Senbon ToriiFamous tunnel of gates.
• YotsutsujiHalfway viewpoint.
• Tofuku-jiTemple famous for autumn leaves.
• Kyoto Station5 minutes by train.

Questions travellers ask