Fushimi Inari Shrine, also known as Fushimi Inari Taisha, is a famous and historic Shinto shrine situated in Kyoto.
A signature feature of the shrine is its thousands of vibrant vermilion torii gates. These gates attract travellers from all around the world because of the breathtaking views and excellent photo opportunities.
In this guide, I’ll share with you how to get to Fushimi Inari Shrine easily and highlight the must-see spots you shouldn’t miss during your visit.
1. Set foot into the Great Torii
The moment you arrive at the Fushimi Inari Shrine, you won’t miss the iconic Great Torii right at the entrance. This tall, bright structure easily grabs your attention with its simple yet compelling design.
Marvel at the massive gate that is often used as a symbol of Shintoism.
While walking, capture the vivid colors and vast height of the passageway.
As you enter the gate, a fox statue near the entrance will catch your attention. Holding a rice ear, the animal is widely known to portray fertility and abundance.
It has a cultural and religious implications among the locals. So, acknowledge its presence and you can also say a prayer while admiring the architecture.
2. Get a glimpse of the Two-storied Gate
The Two-storied Gate of Fushimi Inari Taisha is said to have been donated and constructed by Toyotomi Hideyoshi in 1589. This was done to pray for his mother’s recovery from illness.
Explore the temple grounds and slow down to appreciate its beauty.
Another remarkable feature of the gate is its historical roots. It is one of the earliest shrines in Kyoto city. So, take this chance to see an ancient architectural piece.
Before entering the shrine, take a moment to see the two purposeful fox sculptures around you.
The first one clutches a jewel that stand for wealth and fortune. The other one holds the keys to the rice granary that symbolizes prosperity and abundance.
That being said, it’s best to take a photo of these pivotal figures during your tour.
3. Say a prayer at the Worship Hall
Carry on with your shrine exploration and catch the Outer Worship Hall. It’s easy to spot this area upon entering the gate.
Simply look for the roofed section adorned with 12 classical lanterns. Uniquely, these lanterns represent the zodiac signs. And since this is a religious hall, most ceremonies are held here.
4. Hang around the Main Shrine
One of the highlights here is the Main Shrine, where different gods are stationed.
Pay homage to Ukanomitama-no-kami, the main god who symbolizes food and grain. Because of this prominence, many people believe that praying to the god blesses them with abundant crops and food.
There’s also Satahiko, who guides people going through life obstacles. If you’re praying for matters of the love, pray to Omiyanome-no-kami.
Take your time to connect with the gods while checking the beautiful decorations. Who knows, they might grant your wishes!
a.) Experience the Skewer Prayer for Wish Fulfillment
Send your prayers to the gods through a skewer. You can buy one for 200 yen (small) or 1000 yen (big). Before the burning ritual, write down your personal intentions on the wooden piece.
You can write everything that your heart desires. It can be about health, relationships, finances, or education.
All skewers are then gathered around inside a box. After that, your skewer will be burned along with others to help the gods hear your wishes and make your dreams come true.
b) Express Wishes with a Torii Ema
Another way to offer your prayers is through writing them on a Torii Ema. Purchase this spiritual item for 1,000 yen and carve all your wishes with a hopeful heart.
After writing them down, hang the Ema on the designated fence.
Take a moment to silently pray or reflect on your wish, hoping the kami (spirits or gods) will read it and help fulfill your desires.
5. Drop by the Higashimaru-jinja Shrine
If you’re a student wanting to excel during the exams, the Higashimaru-jinja Shrine is a relevant place for you. Swing by the shrine and seek success in your studies by sending a prayer to the gods.
A lot of Japanese students and even international travelers spend time in this section.
Here, you’d find many origami cranes dangling around, filled with intentions from different people. Some visitors also mark their prayer on ema plaques.
6. Pose inside the Thousands Torii Gate
When going to Fushimi Inari Shrine, don’t miss visiting the Thousands Torii Gate. This is definitely the most picturesque spot in the temple ground.
Enter the tunnel-like structure from the right and take a stroll leisurely before exiting from the left. While walking, take beautiful photos of the gates.
If you look closely, the gates have vermilion hues. This color is highly prominent in most religious gates because it represents protection, blessings, and success.
And you might be wondering why there are many torii gates around.
The reason for the unending number is that some people donate gates every time their wishes come true. So, the inscriptions on the gates are actually the names and years of the donors.
The prices of the torii gates vary accordingly. The cheapest is 400,000 yen while the most expensive is 1 million yen.
7. Wrap it up at Okusha Hohaisho
From the Thousand Torii Gates, continue walking and you’ll come across the Okusha Hohaisho.
This is the last section where visitors flock to buy souvenirs.
But before you start checking out some local gifts, explore the back area of the shrine. There you’ll see a series of stone lanterns.
Try your luck as you lift the lantern’s top (kuurin). It is said that if it is light, then your wish may come true. A heavy one, however, is the opposite.
Further down the east is Mount Inari’s summit. If you opt to go to the summit, it will take around 2 hours.
For this reason, visitors just head to back to the entrance to save time, especially if you have limited time in Kyoto.
a.) Grab Souvenirs for Love & Success!
After your cultural escapade, it’s time for souvenir shopping! Check out some Enmusubi and Byakkomamori, which are two of the most popular mementos for travellers.
The Enmusubi charms are recognized to strongly bind relationships. On the other hand, Byakkomamori items serve as an attraction to success and good fortune. Each charm costs 800 yen.
b.) Create & Hang Your Fox Ema for Wishes!
Another favorite among visitors is the blank fox ema. With the blank empty canvas, you can draw anything on the small wooden plaque.
Buy one for 800 yen and highlight your creativity with your own face design. If you’re unsure, there are designs dangling around for inspiration.
Tips for Visiting Fushimi Inari Shrine
1. Wearing a kimono while exploring the thousand torii gates
For a more memorable journey, wear a kimono and walk around the complex like an ancient local.
Wearing this traditional attire offers such a unique experience. It makes your visit more special, especially when strolling the Thousands Torri Gate.
So, rent one from this popular shop located near Fushimi Inari Taisha. This store is known for its vast collection of kimonos.
Plus, they provide professional hairstyling services and can speak both English and Chinese. So, adorn yourself with this local clothing and take a lot of photos in ancient costume.
2. Make your way to the shrine early in the morning
When planning your Kyoto itinerary or a day trip from Osaka to Kyoto, it’s advisable to make the Fushimi Inari Shrine your first stop in the early morning around 8 or 9 am.
This will help you avoid crowds and provide an excellent opportunity to capture stunning photographs, especially among the Thousand Torii Gates.
3. Stroll through Fushimi Inari Shopping Street
Once you’re done with the Fushimi Inari Shrine exploration, continue your shopping escapade. Go to the Fushimi Inari Shopping Street, which is just 3 minutes away from the temple.
With numerous stalls around, this is such a nice place to buy local souvenirs. Pop by different stores for more amulets and charms.
And of course, food is everywhere. Feast in the local street food. Try the Kitsune Udon or the Inari sushi, both named after fox deities.
4. Enjoy a cold treat at Fushimi Inari Sando Chaya
Relax and enjoy the lovely ambience of Fushimi Inari Sando Chaya. This traditional Japanese tea house is the perfect spot to unwind after exploring the shrine.
As you look around, you’ll be surrounded by gorgeous interior designs, from lanterns to paintings. The touch of nature even makes this place more attractive. No wonder it is always packed with customers.
If you’re a sweet tooth, there’s something to captivate your heart. Try the famous Sando Chaya Parfait for 1,300 yen. This is a cold dessert that comes with strawberries, wafers, matcha ice cream, and more.
5. Shop for local souvenirs from Takahata Shoten
Proceed to Takahata Shoten if you’re looking for another set of souvenirs. Here, you’ll find a wide selection of torii gate-shaped magnets and fox-themed mementos.
Search into the displays of charms, figurines, and keychains.
Aside from religious items, they also sell clothing attire, pouches, and coin bags. Most of these have Fushimi Inari-inspired styles, making them more unique.
6. Purchase fox-shaped rice crackers at Sohonke Inariya
Treat yourself to a local snack store named Sohonke Inariya. With its variety of rice-based delicacies, this store is quite popular among tourists and even locals.
One of the crowd favorites is none other than the fox rice cracker. From the name itself, these are molded into fox shapes.
In most stores, a pack of seven only costs 580 yen. So, take a bite of this tasty snack and enjoy a delightful crunch!
Fushimi Inari Shrine Map
Please refer to the map above where I’ve highlighted the top spots at Fushimi Inari Shrine. Make Okusha Hohaisho (#7) your last stop before turning back.
Entrance Fee
Admission to Fushimi Inari Shrine is free.
How to Get to Fushimi Inari Shrine
1. From Kyoto Station
To reach Fushimi Inari Shrine, you can take the JR Nara Line from Kyoto Station to Inari Station. From there, you walk to the shrine in 3 minutes. The entire journey takes about 8 minutes and costs 150 yen.
2. From Kawaramachi
Board the Keihan Main Line Semi-Express at Gion-Shijo Station and alight at Fushimi-Inari Station. Exit through the East Gate and the Fushimi Inari Shrine is a 6-minute walk away. The whole trip is approximately 15 minutes and is priced at 220 yen.
Join The Best Kyoto Tours
A bus tour is your best bet for an easy and worry-free way to visit Fushimi Inari Shrine and other famous Kyoto sites in a single day.
Check out these top Kyoto bus tours: Tour 1, Tour 2, and Tour 3. Remember to book ahead on their respective websites.
Each tour includes stops at the famed Fushimi Inari Shrine, Kinkakuji Temple, Kiyomizudera Temple, and Arashiyama Bamboo Forest. These are must-visit attractions when in Kyoto.
