Fushimi Inari Taisha

This was one of the places I was most looking forward to visiting in all of Japan. I had read quite a bit about it beforehand and knew that if I wanted to enjoy it properly, I needed to arrive early—very early. We reached the start of the trail at 7:00 a.m., and even then there were already quite a few people. The first section was the least enjoyable, as many visitors were stopping to take photos, making it difficult to keep walking. It wasn’t overwhelmingly crowded, but it was enough that, for the first 15 or 20 minutes, I began to worry that one of the places I had most wanted to see in Japan might end up being a disappointment. Fortunately, the higher we climbed, the fewer people there were. Eventually, we reached a point where we could walk for several minutes without seeing anyone else, and that was when we took the opportunity to enjoy the surroundings and take our own photos. The vending machines near the top were slightly more expensive, but we also saw people hauling supplies up the mountain using small wheeled carts. After seeing the effort involved, the higher prices made perfect sense. Along the trail there were also shops selling torii souvenirs, and they became progressively more expensive the higher we climbed. On the way back down, I regretted not buying one earlier, but fortunately we found another shop near the base selling similar ones for less than half the price. By the time we finished, at around 10:30 a.m., the difference was astonishing. The place was absolutely packed, and during the final stretch we were constantly weaving through crowds of people. If you genuinely want to experience Fushimi Inari in a peaceful and reflective atmosphere, rather than just visiting to take the famous photo, I cannot recommend strongly enough that you get there as early as possible. The walk itself is unforgettable. It is estimated that there are around 10,000 torii gates along the mountain, although no one seems to know the exact number.

It is not a hike, it is a battle of perseverance and determination with yourself. Most people don’t get to the top of the mountain, but it is 100% worth it. You want pictures all by yourself, go to the top. Be prepared, especially in the summer. Wear sunscreen, mosquitoes repellent, and a lot of water. Getting to the top was one of the most fulfilling things I did on my trip. You will not regret it. My personal recommendation, go in the morning around 7:00 - 8:00 am (the earliest the better), that way you have more less people, and the sun isn’t too strong.

This is one of the most iconic and memorable places in Japan. The famous rows of red torii gates create a truly unique atmosphere that you won’t find anywhere else. Walking through the gates feels almost surreal — it’s peaceful, cultural, and very photogenic. The deeper you go, the quieter it gets, which makes the experience even more special. It’s also free to enter, which makes it very worth it for the experience you get. If you enjoy walking and exploring, this place is perfect. Along the way, you’ll find small shrines, scenic spots, and even some viewpoints overlooking Kyoto. But Be prepared — it can be physically tiring. The full hike goes uphill and can take quite some time, especially if you go all the way to the top. If you’re not used to walking or if your stamina is limited, it might feel exhausting. The lower area is usually very crowded, especially during peak tourist hours. It can feel a bit too packed, which takes away from the peaceful experience. Also, since it’s an outdoor hike, weather plays a big role. It can get very hot in summer or slippery during rainy days. This is a must-visit, especially for first-time visitors to Japan. Just make sure to pace yourself, wear comfortable shoes, and don’t feel pressured to go all the way to the top — even a partial walk is already worth it.

If you're visiting Kyoto, Fushimi Inari Taisha is absolutely worth your time. The thousands of bright vermilion torii gates create one of the most iconic and photogenic walks in Japan. While many people stop at the famous gate tunnels near the entrance, continuing further up the mountain offers a much quieter atmosphere, beautiful forest scenery, and fewer crowds. I recommend arriving early in the morning or later in the evening to enjoy the experience more comfortably. The shrine grounds are open 24 hours, making it possible to avoid peak tourist hours. Wear comfortable shoes if you plan to complete the full hike, as the trail can take around 2 to 3 hours round trip. Along the route, there are several viewpoints, smaller shrines, and local food stalls where you can take breaks. The combination of cultural significance, natural surroundings, and unique architecture makes this one of the most memorable places in Kyoto

Fushimi Inari is absolutely worth visiting, whether it’s hot, cold, sunny, or rainy. As you walk through the endless rows of torii gates, you’ll recognize scenes that have inspired many famous Japanese anime and films. The atmosphere is beautiful, mysterious, and unforgettable. It’s a perfect place for stunning photos and selfies, but it’s also ideal if you want to slow down, walk in silence, and spend a little time with your own thoughts. The higher you climb, the quieter and more magical it becomes. One more surprise: despite the famous fox statues, the warning signs don’t tell you to watch out for foxes—they warn you about wild boars! Japan always has a way of surprising you. 🐗🦊