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.
Walk through the 1000 (kind most of them not all of course) but walk up the mountain. It’s well worth the visit. The further or higher you go the crowd weeds out, which you can then find your zen so as you’re not in front of or behind loud people. 🤣. It was a nice and peaceful hike after the first leg. It is well worth the hike!
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.
The Fushimi Inari Shrine is a large impressive structure made up of many small shrines, steps to the top of the mountain and the beautiful Torii Gates that you pass through as you move through the shrine.
The entrance from the train station leads you through many street food vendors that offer a wide variety of food, sweets, shaved ice, ice milk and drinks of all kinds. Fun to experience the different foods.
The entrance was a bit crowded when we arrived, but honestly the crowds were not a bother. The crowds thin out as you move up the gates to the top of the mountain and visit the side shrines.
Such a wonderful day filled with beauty and peace.
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!
