What other travelers are saying about Fushimi Inari Taisha
Beautiful place. We were very lucky as it was not crowded even when we went around 10:00 am which is fairly late for what people recommend. We visited in early July so that is also good to consider, most schools are still not on holiday. It was really hot but we geared up with neck fans and enjoyed. Please go all the way up through the Toris of you can. The little shrines on the top are amazing and quiet. You can also see the bamboos and experience some calm and quiet.
Yes it was beautiful and very cool. But it was fairly busy even at 7:30am and it is not a beginner trail. Everyone says that this is an easy walk but it absolutely isn’t. It is a fully uphill walk with stairs that vary in size and even with lots of shade, it is very hot and humid. Great if you like hiking but that is exactly what it is, a hike, not a stroll. Maybe we didn’t do our research well enough, but we were surprised. Once you get over half way the crowds ease up a little bit tho!
You will never see our do anything like it. Definitely worth a visit. When I was there, it was extremely hot and crowded in some areas, but if you walk the 10,000 gates, you will find yourself alone and able to think in areas of serenity. Beautiful views too. And if you think about the history as you walk through the gates - - - who and what were there before you, it is very moving experience.
Note: If you go in the summer, take water, sunscreen, and a hanky (for sweating). Use the restroom before you start climbing. There is no place to dispose of trash, so you'll need to keep it on you. You'll need cash if you want to buy souvenirs along the trail.
Lovely and crowded temple. There's a 4 km hike to the mountain top of you like to be adventurous. Not too rigorous, yet June is a bit warm and humid, which makes it challenging. Otherwise, beautiful structures to view.
In the immediate area, there's some food vendors. Actually quite good. Most food was about 600 yen to 1,000 yen. There was an excellent ice cream place we enjoyed.
Taking the train from Kyoto station requires switching to two train lines. Not difficult either.
Plus you'll see many young women and some young men dressed in traditional clothing. Very lovely.
Out of our entire Japan trip, this hike around Fushimi Inari was one of my favorite experiences.
But be aware — it gets incredibly crowded with tourists. I actually tried to visit three times before I finally got it right.
The first time, we arrived at 7:30 AM, and it was already packed. The second attempt was around 5:30 PM, and it was still very crowded.
On my third try, I came back the next day at 5:00 AM — and that was the perfect choice.
There were already a few people, but it was still peaceful enough to take amazing photos and enjoy the hike in a calm atmosphere.
If you’re hoping for beautiful pictures and a quiet hike, come very early. After 6:30 AM, it’s already too late.
