Fushimi-Inari Shrine

Why the Fushimi Inari is special
Its 10,000-plus torii gates make it one of the world's most visually striking religious sites.

Top 2 Fushimi Inari attractions
Torii gates
Over 10,000 of these vermilion (reddish-orange) gates wind their way up the mountainside walking paths. They collectively measure 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) in length. They are so tightly packed that at times they become virtual corridors for visitors.

Main Hall
The Go-Honden building was constructed 500 years ago. It sits on a hillside just above the main gate (a colossal torii). See photo above.

Fushimi Inari tips and insights
Best time of the day
I recommend early in the morning and near dusk. The Fushimi Inari paths can be thickly populated with tourists and worshippers in the hours in between. Crowding is worst during the New Year's holiday.

Donations
Each torii was donated by a business or individual in the hope of gaining prosperity. Notations are inscribed on the back of a torii to help insure that deities and earthlings will always remember their generosity.

Name
The shrine's full name is Fushimi Inari Taisha. "Fushimi" is a nearby town. "Inari" is the Shinto god of rice, sake and prosperity. "Taishi" is "shrine" in English.

Gate size
Many torii gates are about 3 meters or 10 feet tall. That's high enough for visitors to walk through them. However, there are also many tiny torii placed off the walkways.

Fox
The pathways are lined with some Kitsune (fox) statues because that creature is considered to be the messenger of the god Inari.

Age
The current Fushima Inari site dates back to the 9th century.

Popularity
This wonder attracts millions of visitors each year.

Souvenirs and food
Small enterprises line the paths. Shops sell souvenirs including torii miniatures. Eateries serve traditional specialities like Kitune udon (noodles garnished with fried tofu) and Inari sushi (sweetened rice wrapped in fried tofu).

Location in Japan