What other travelers are saying about Fushimi Inari Taisha
Inari shrines are the most familiar shrines to Japanese people. This Fushimi Inari Taisha is the head shrine with which all the others are associated. One of the most iconic sights in Kyoto, and in Japan Lots of locals, some tourists and pilgrims. Lots of people here, careful with personal belongings. Wear comfy shoes, take water, wear hat, sunscreen. Uneven terrain, lot of walking. Plenty of stairs too. Great place for photography.
A beautiful and peaceful place that truly lives up to its reputation. The thousands of torii gates create an incredible atmosphere, and the shrine grounds feel tranquil despite the crowds.
That said, visiting in the summer can be tough, the heat is intense, and the pathways are filled with tourists. I also felt a bit bad for those who came to genuinely pray, as the crowds make it less serene for them.
If you can, plan your visit in cooler months or early in the morning. The longer hikes up the mountain are worth it, but definitely not something I'd recommend in peak summer.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (10/10)
Fushimi Inari was absolutely magical. Walking through the endless rows of vibrant red torii gates felt like stepping into another world — calm, spiritual, and beautifully surreal. Despite its popularity, I found peaceful moments where everything was quiet, just the sound of the forest around me.
The greenery, the fresh mountain air, and the play of light through the trees made the whole hike unforgettable. It’s a place where nature and tradition blend perfectly, and I loved every second of it. Truly a must-visit in Kyoto!
Go on your own at around 6:00/6:30am on weekday for the place basically to yourself. It's extremely beautiful and enchanting. The crowds began pouring in around 7:45 and blocking the spaces. Even if you don't care about getting those types of photos, it takes away from being able to enjoy the space (unless you're already up around the midpoint or top by then). It's absolutely worth going, regardless!
Good side:
Visiting Fushimi Inari is an amazing experience—the thousands of bright red torii gates create a magical atmosphere, especially in the early morning. The trail going up the mountain is beautiful and gives you both cultural and nature vibes in one trip.
Bad side:
Starting around 8 AM onwards, the place quickly gets crowded with tourists, which makes it harder to enjoy the peaceful walk or take good photos without people in the background.
