Located at the foot of Mount Inari, Fushimi Inari Taisha is the head shrine of Inari shrines throughout Japan, a network said to include approximately 30,000 shrines. The entire mountain is considered sacred, with the main sanctuary standing at its base.
Affectionately known as Oinari-san, Fushimi Inari Taisha is one of Japan’s most historic and frequently visited Shinto shrines. Its most famous feature is the seemingly endless path of brilliant vermilion torii gates that winds from behind the main sanctuary toward the summit of Mount Inari. This mystical landscape attracts visitors from across Japan and around the world.
The Senbon Torii, or “Thousand Torii Gates,” is one of Kyoto’s most iconic sights. Along an approximately 150-meter section of the pathway leading from behind the main sanctuary to the Okusha Hōhaisho, the gates stand closely together, forming a striking tunnel of vermilion.
The gates are dedicated as expressions of gratitude for prayers that have been answered. The Japanese word toru can mean “to pass through” or “to be granted,” and dedicating a torii gate became a popular way to give thanks when a wish came true. This custom spread during the Edo period (1603–1868).
Today, approximately 10,000 torii gates stand throughout the shrine grounds and Mount Inari. Each one represents a prayer, a wish, or gratitude, creating the extraordinary sight that has made Fushimi Inari Taisha famous worldwide.
Since the shrine’s establishment in 711, Inari worship has attracted devotees for centuries. Inari deities are traditionally associated with abundant harvests, prosperous businesses, family safety, and the fulfillment of wishes.
The shrine also appears in several important works of Japanese classical literature. Sei Shōnagon, the celebrated Heian-period author of The Pillow Book, wrote about her own pilgrimage to Inari. The shrine is also mentioned in works such as Kagerō Nikki and Konjaku Monogatari-shū.
In 1946, the shrine adopted its present name, Fushimi Inari Taisha, to distinguish it from the many other Inari shrines throughout Japan.
Foxes, particularly white foxes, are closely associated with Inari shrines. However, they are not themselves the principal deities. Instead, they are regarded as the sacred messengers, or attendants, of Inari Ōkami and are traditionally believed to possess supernatural qualities.
Visitors will notice fox statues throughout the shrine grounds, often holding symbolic objects in their mouths. These objects represent different aspects of prosperity, protection, and the Inari faith.
At the inner sanctuary known as Okunoin, visitors can dedicate kitsune ema, wooden votive plaques decorated with fox faces instead of the more usual horse imagery. Visitors may write their wishes on these plaques and offer them as prayers.
The shrine’s buildings reflect centuries of history and devotion. In 908, Fujiwara no Tokihira sponsored the construction of shrine buildings. Later historical figures, including Minamoto no Yoritomo and Ashikaga Yoshinori, were also involved in construction and restoration projects.
In 1468, during the Ōnin War—a major conflict that began in 1467 and continued for approximately 11 years—the shrine was attacked, and its buildings, including those on the mountain, were destroyed by fire.
The magnificent Romon Gate was rebuilt in 1589 by Toyotomi Hideyoshi after prayers for the recovery of his ailing mother were reportedly answered. The gate is now designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan.
From the first torii gate at the entrance, the Romon Gate, the outer worship hall known as the Haiden or Kaguraden, the inner worship hall, and the main sanctuary are arranged along a central axis at the foot of Mount Inari.
The main sanctuary was rebuilt in 1494 and is also designated an Important Cultural Property. Behind it lie sacred ritual areas and numerous historic sacred sites scattered across Mount Inari, reached by the mountain pilgrimage paths.
One of the most rewarding experiences at Fushimi Inari Taisha is the mountain pilgrimage known as Oyama Meguri, or simply Oyama. Starting behind the main sanctuary, the route passes through the famous Senbon Torii and continues up Mount Inari, visiting sacred sites and small devotional mounds along the way.
The round trip takes approximately two hours and leads to the summit, where Ichinomine Kamisha, the uppermost shrine, stands at an elevation of 233 meters.
Along the way, the area around Yotsutsuji offers sweeping views over southern Kyoto. The combination of forest trails, countless torii gates, and small sacred sites makes the pilgrimage a memorable way to experience the spiritual atmosphere of the mountain.
Near the Okusha Hōhaisho, beyond the inner worship area, visitors can try a traditional test of their wishes using a stone known as Omokaru Ishi, or the “Heavy-or-Light Stone.” It sits above a pair of stone lanterns.
To try the test, stand before the lantern, make a wish, and lift the stone. According to tradition, if it feels lighter than expected, your wish is likely to come true. If it feels heavier than anticipated, your wish may be difficult to fulfill.
This simple ritual is a popular experience for visitors curious to discover what their wishes might hold.
Within the Romon Gate area of Fushimi Inari Taisha is Tōmaru Shrine, an independent shrine dedicated to a deity revered for learning and academic achievement.
The grounds are decorated with colorful displays of senbazuru, strings of one thousand folded paper cranes. In Japanese tradition, these cranes symbolize hope, good fortune, and heartfelt wishes, creating a vivid and uplifting sight for visitors.
All day (8:30-16:30 for prayers, 7:00-18:00 for the awarding office)
Free to visit
A short walk from Inari Station on JR Nara Line
5 min. walk from Fushimi Inari Station on Keihan Electric Railway Keihan Main Line