Whether you’ve had the Fushimi Inari Taisha shrine on your bucket list for years or discovered it through social media’s famous torii gate photos, this iconic shrine is a must-visit spot in Kyoto, Japan. I visited in May 2024 and while I had a wonderful time, there are some things I wish I’d known beforehand. Here’s what you need to know to make the most of your visit.
What is the Fushimi Inari Taisha?
The Fushimi Inari Taisha is Kyoto’s most important Shinto shrine dedicated to Inari Okami, the deity of rice, prosperity, and wealth. As the head shrine of all Japan’s Inari shrines, it’s famous for its stunning pathway of approximately 10,000 vermillion torii gates.
1. Get There Early (Like, Really Early)
I know you’ve probably seen this advice before, but it’s absolutely true. If you arrive at 8 a.m., you’re already on the late side.
Here’s what I did: After taking a night bus from Nagoya to Kyoto, arriving around 4:45 a.m., my mom and I caught the first JR Nara Line train from Kyoto Station to Inari Station at about 5:50 a.m. From Inari Station it’s just a five-minute walk from there to the shrine entrance.
We started our hike at around 6 a.m., taking our time with photos and enjoying the views, finishing around 8:30 a.m. Yes, starting a hike at 6 a.m. is BRUTAL (even I’m not immune to that), but the cooler air and fewer people made it worth it.
2. Respect the Shrine and the Locals
Remember that Fushimi Inari is first and foremost a Shinto shrine—not just a tourist attraction. People come here to pray, and locals use the paths for their morning jogs and walks. Be mindful to:
- Make way for locals using the paths,
- Take all trash with you (there are very few trash cans),
- Keep your voice down, especially near prayer areas,
- Respect the shrine’s sacredness and its important role in Shinto religion and local life.
You being a tourist there is not the most important thing.
3. Don’t Rush Your Photos
The moment you see those iconic torii gates, you’ll want to start snapping pictures—trust me, I get it! But here’s a secret: be patient and keep walking. Trying to get that perfect, people-free shot near the entrance will only lead to frustration.
The hike to the top is longer than most expect, with torii gates lining the entire path up and down. Many visitors only do a short loop or leave after getting their Instagram shots near the entrance. By walking just a bit further, you’ll escape the crowds and have plenty of opportunities for uninterrupted photos.
4. Wear Appropriate Clothing
I didn’t realize until afterwards that the full hike is about 4 miles with 780 feet in elevation change! Since I’m still a young and healthy person I just kept walking, but I wish was prepared for how tired I was going to be afterwards. Most of the path consists of stairs, as the shrine is built on a mountain. If you plan to do the full hike, dress appropriately and be prepared to climb up and down stairs.
Here’s what I wore that worked for me:
- Light, comfortable pants,
- T-shirt with a light jacket,
- Small backpack for water and essentials,
- Tennis shoes with good grip.
Note: If you have mobility issues, be aware that there are lots of stairs and very few resting areas. While you can still enjoy the lower areas of the shrine, some mountain sections might not be accessible.
A Note About Praying
If you’d like to pay your respects at the main shrine (located at the base of the mountain), here’s the traditional method:
- Outside the shrine you’ll find a basin of water for cleansing. You may wash your hands by filling the ladle and washing each hand, starting with your left. Some also rinse their mouths here, but I personally usually opt out of it.
- At the shrine, put offerings (a few coins) into the box. Some shrines have a bell hanging over a donation box, which you may ring before putting your offerings in the box.
- Bow twice (bend at a 90-degree angle at the hips).
- Clap your hands twice.
- Pray silently (with your hands together if you’d like).
- Bow once to conclude.
Feel free to observe locals or ask for guidance—there’s no pressure to pray, but it’s interesting to learn about and observe these traditions. You can also read this article for additional guidance.
Planning Your Visit
- Location: 5-minute walk from Inari Station (JR Nara Line)
- Hours: Open 24/7
- Admission: Free
- Duration: 2-3 hours for the full hike
- Best time to visit: Early morning (before 7 a.m.)
- Food and public restrooms available.
Visiting Fushimi Inari Taisha is truly a special experience. While it requires some early morning dedication and physical effort, the peaceful atmosphere and stunning views make it a beautiful visit. Stay tuned for my next post about the shrine’s cultural significance, food options, and the meaning behind those fascinating fox statues!
Have you visited Fushimi Inari Shrine? What’s something you wished you knew before you went?
