Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine: A Must-Visit Shinto Shrine in Kyoto

Overview

Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine, renowned as one of Japan's most vital Shinto shrines, is both awe-inspiring and steeped in history. Nestled in Southern Kyoto on the sacred Inari-san mountain, this shrine has been a spiritual cornerstone since Japan’s capital moved to Kyoto in 794 AD. Built by the influential Saka clan around 711 AD, it serves as the headquarters for over 40,000 Inari shrines scattered across Japan. Visitors are greeted by numerous charming fox statues, considered the divine messengers of Inari, as they pass through the majestic Romon Gate and into the heart of the shrine complex. Here, you can admire the exquisite Honden, the main shrine building, along with other notable structures. A highlight of your visit will undoubtedly be the stunning Senbon Torii, a path lined with more than 5,000 vibrant orange torii gates—all donated by individuals and organizations. Adventurous travelers can hike up the mountain to uncover additional shrines and enjoy numerous local cafes and restaurants along the way, making Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine a memorable stop for both spiritual seekers and tourists alike.

Photo of Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine
Photo of Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine
Photo of Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine
Opening hours

Open 24/7

Contact Info
  • Address68 Fukakusa Yabunouchichō, Fushimi Ward, Kyoto, 612-0882, Japan
  • Phone+81 75-641-7331

Reviews

Akira Tanaka
Japan
5
A must-visit location at least once in your lifetime. The trek to the summit was truly remarkable and captivating. If you're planning to visit, try to go as early as possible. I arrived just before sunrise, and it wasn’t crowded. On the way down, I encountered many tourists, so heading out early is best.
Hana Yamada
Japan
5
Absolutely deserving of its reputation - it is a truly unique place. If possible, I would advise taking the full circuit hike to the mountain’s peak - it gets much quieter after the initial ascent, allowing for excellent photos of the torii without crowds, and the atmosphere feels much more enchanting without tourists even at midday. The upper section of the hike traverses areas of pine and bamboo trees. There’s a nice ice-cream shop halfway up, but be cautious; there are no restrooms past the main shrine area. My favorite place in Kyoto.
Sora Takeuchi
Japan
5
Visiting Fushimi Inari Taisha is an utterly stunning experience! Strolling through the endless torii gates feels surreal and is one of Japan's most iconic sights. The ambiance is both tranquil and lively, dotted with beautiful shrines and picturesque paths ascending the mountain. The hike to the summit is certainly worthwhile, providing breathtaking views of Kyoto along the way. I suggest visiting early in the morning or late afternoon to steer clear of the crowds and soak in the serenity. A must-see if you’re in Kyoto—this place is truly enchanting!
Kenji Matsumoto
Japan
5
We traveled from the USA and got there at sunrise. If you can, it's best to arrive between 7-8 AM to avoid the crowds. We made it by 7:20 AM and were able to take great photos as we walked through the torii gates with only a few others around. We chose a less traveled route that offered fantastic views, including some old resting places (I can’t confirm what they were, but they certainly seemed like it). On our return, we noticed a significantly larger crowd and felt grateful we arrived early. There are numerous shops and food vendors along the way that I highly recommend; trying different offerings can make for an enjoyable lunch. Overall, it's definitely a sight you should not miss.
Yuki Nakamura
Japan
5
Truly surreal. It possesses a magical and ancient ambiance. I suggest getting there early to dodge the crowds. Nestled beautifully in the woods, we spotted a cat enjoying life! There’s a lovely souvenir shop located near the water at the top, but I wouldn't recommend buying jewelry; my bracelet featuring a little fox broke within a week. It's clean and I highly recommend visiting. This place made me fall even deeper in love with Japan!