What is Fushimi-Inari-Taisya Shrine?
Fushimi-Inari-Taisya Shrine is the "So-honzan" head shrine of 30,000 Inari shrines across the country and was established by "Inari-Ogami" God. There are paths called "sen-bon-torii", meaning alleys of tunnels made of 1,000 vermilon torii gates. Actually, however, it is said there are a total of more than 10, 000 torii gates, large and small, in the shrine compound which includes the whole of Mt. Inariyama. You can reach the top of the mountain, or rather a hill, going up the paths, but it will be a laborious, one-hour walk amid the rich greenery. In the meantime, it is the guardian shrine of merchants and tradesmen, attracting millions of visitors in the New-Year period. A pair of fox and vermilion torii gates are two of the characteristics of Inari Shrine.
How to get to the shrine
After getting off a JR train at Inari station, Go through the huge torii gate and walk along the paved main road and you will be met by the huge main shrine building. Then, walk on unpaved narrow paths which are inside the tunnels of torii gates according to the instructions of the signboards. There are many vermilion-colored buildings on your way, souvenir shops and smaller structures selling charms. You can sit on the sides of the paths and enjoy chatting with your companions or have lunch.
Huge crowd of visitors at the beginning of year
This is the shrine dedicated to the God of a good harvest and busines successes, therefore it attracts millions of tradesmen, merchants and farmers in the New-Year period.
You can buy souvenirs
You can buy various kinds of souvenirs at shops selling typically Japanese items of goods both inside and outside the shrine precincts. They will make memorable gifts for your acquaintances.
Tour to Fushimi-Inari-Taisya Shrine.