What a fantastic experience even with the large crowds of people and people posing every 15 steps. Remember to bring water with you when you're here on a hot summer day like I was! They sell drinks and souvenirs around the area, but would definitely recommend bringing your own. This is a free place to access and it's probably best to go early in the morning as there are fewer people. But regardless, had a very memorable time walking around here and taking in all the views!
NOTE: No tickets are needed to enter! There is also a warning for monkeys in the area, just make sure not to feed them ;)
What a fantastic experience even with the large crowds of people and people posing every 15 steps. Remember to bring water with you when you're here on a hot summer day like I was! They sell drinks and souvenirs around the area, but would definitely recommend bringing your own. This is a free place to access and it's probably best to go early in the morning as there are fewer people. But regardless, had a very memorable time walking around here and taking in all the views!
If you come here, be there AT OR BEFORE 6am! It gets busy after 9am!
On my first visit to Japan/Kyoto I knew I wanted to see at least one temple/shrine and this is the one I chose!
I will want you, if you choose to go all the way to the top, it is equally difficult as it is rewarding! Be prepared with plenty of energy, water and proper clothing for the proper temp/season. I went in September so I sweat profusely! After 2 hours and over 10,000 steps I made it to the top and back! Beautiful all the way throughout and so much history, detail and scenery to behold.
If you’re in the mood for a hike and workout while filling your eyes with traditional Japanese culture, it’s very worth a visit! The photography opportunities are endless as well so take your time and get creative but make sure you are not in anyone’s way while photographing!
Make sure you stop by one of the homes/small shops as you go up for a couple handmade souvenirs! I got a good fortune silk bracelet and love it! Absolutely worth giving back to the locals and a forever keepsake!
Was well worth the trip! Fascinating historic religious architecture, and an iconic cultural symbol.
Getting here was a little confusing - the Nara line is a JR line, so you have to head to that part of Kyoto Station, but also take specifically a local train to get to the Inari stop, as others don’t stop there. Once you are there, the entrance is right outside the station.
If you just want to take some photos with the thousand gates (preferably, not in the way of people walking), you don’t have to be here that long - they start pretty close to the entrance of the area.
If you want to climb the mountain and don’t have a spiritual connection or curiosity with the area, I would (1) make sure you have water and aren’t hungry, and (2) highly recommend that you stop at the highest viewing point, about 15 minutes into the walk. After that point, unless you want to see actual shrines (and just shrines!) and are up for a stair workout, there’s no point. The signs are not lying about the 40 minute walk, and getting back down is arguably harder since you’re dealing with crowds, going down small steps, and winding paths.
There are other things to explore beyond the gates and mountain, but I was tuckered out after the 40 minute walk each way up and down, so I left after that.
One of the famous landmark in Kyoto. Each gate was an appreciation from the temple for the donations . The gates spends from the main temple all the way up to the summit of the mountain. You will need 1.5 hours to climb to the summit. I stopped halfway after climbing and stayed where there are chairs for people to look over at Kyoto city. Its evening where i stayed for 2 hours to see daytime and nighttime lights of Kyoto. Once in a lifetime experience , worth the climb.