Fushimi Inara Taisha, Japan

Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine was built in the 8th century and is one of the oldest shrines in Japan. The shrine was built to honor Inari, the protector of agriculture, farmers, merchants, and the city of Kyoto. The most prominent feature of Fushimi Inari Taisha is the consecutive red Torii gate structures. Thousands of these red Torii gates create a path leading from the foot of the mountain to the top, creating an extremely impressive landscape. Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine has deep religious and spiritual significance for the Japanese. People come here to pray for luck, economic prosperity and the protection of the god Inari. Tourists often participate in the blessing ceremony by buying a set of offerings at the temple and taking attendance at the altars. The right time to visit Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine in Kyoto depends on your personal preferences and the purpose of your trip. However, there are some times of the year that are more popular to visit. Refer to some more information below. Start your journey at the main gate of Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine, where you'll see a large red Torii gate and the shrine's emblem. From the main gate, you can start going up the path created by thousands of consecutive red Torii gates. This is an extremely impressive architecture. This path will lead you through lush green forests and sanctuary areas, where you can learn more about the temple's beliefs and history. If you go to Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine in the evening, you will experience a completely different experience. Torii gates and lanterns will be illuminated, creating a spiritual and magical space. At Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine, you will see many unique fox statues, and foxes (or "kitsune" in Japanese) are considered divine here. In Shinto religion, the fox is considered a messenger of the god Inari and is often imagined to have the ability to transform. Therefore, fox statues at temples often have many other shapes such as having a key in their mouth, stone or wooden fox statues carved with many exquisite details. In particular, fox statues with more tails are wise and strong foxes. In legends, the fox is often described as fond of burning red Torii gates to ward off evil spirits and demons. Therefore, in the souvenir shops around the temple there are jewelry products, crafts and souvenirs related to the fox. These are interesting gifts to bring back as souvenirs. When visiting Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine, there are some important notes you should follow to have the most complete trip: Wear formal clothing: While it is not necessary to wear a traditional shirt, you should wear a formal shirt that covers your shoulders and is not too short, especially when you approach the temple area. Respect for rituals: Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine is a sacred place. Keep quiet, don't smoke, don't make noise, and don't do anything that might offend Japanese religion. Wash your hands and feet: Before entering temples or sacred areas, use running water to wash y