Stone path running through a tunnel of inscribed vermilion torii gates with dappled sunlight

Religious site · Fushimi, Kyoto

Fushimi Inari Taisha

Head shrine of Inari, with tunnels of vermilion torii gates winding up Mt Inari

Ambient sound · similar settingHwamei song in hillside forest at morning

Photo: David Emrich (@davidemrich) / Unsplash

Discover Fushimi Inari Taisha

Step off the train at JR Inari Station and the great vermilion gate of Fushimi Inari Taisha is right in front of you. Beyond the main shrine buildings, paths lead into the famous Senbon Torii, corridors of closely spaced orange gates, each one donated by a person or business and inscribed with their name and date in black.

The gates continue up the wooded slopes of Mt Inari past small sub-shrines, stone altars and fox statues, opening now and then onto views over southern Kyoto. You can turn back after the first tunnels or spend two to three hours on the full mountain circuit. It is a Shinto shrine, so the etiquette is that of a jinja: purify your hands at the water basin, bow at the gates and keep to the side of the path.

Don’t miss

01Senbon Torii, the twin tunnels of densely packed vermilion gates on the approach to Okunoin
02The Mt Inari circuit (233 m), lined with an estimated 10,000 torii, sub-shrines and stone altars
03Stone fox statues, Inari's messengers, many holding a key or jewel in their mouths
04The main shrine buildings and the vermilion gate facing JR Inari Station
05Tea stalls and a halfway souvenir shop on the mountain path

History & culture

The story of Fushimi Inari Taisha

Fushimi Inari Taisha dates back to 711, before Kyoto became the capital, and it is the head shrine of Inari, the deity of good harvests and business prosperity. The Japan National Tourism Organization notes that more than 30,000 Inari shrines exist across Japan. In ancient times the shrine served both the people and the Imperial Court, and emperors made donations here.

During the peaceful and prosperous Edo period, merchants extended the idea of a good harvest to commercial success, and businesses began donating torii gates along the paths from the main buildings to the summit. That custom continues today, which is why the gates carry the names of companies and individuals. Foxes are regarded as Inari's messengers, and many of the stone foxes hold a key in their mouths, often interpreted as the key to a rice granary.

Local life & traditions

Fushimi Inari remains a working place of worship for business owners and families. Companies still dedicate torii in the hope of prosperity, and many local people visit at New Year and on important days to pray for success in work. Children ringing the shrine bell and worshippers clapping and bowing at the halls are part of everyday life here, so give them space and avoid blocking the paths for photographs.

Things to do

Experience it like a local

Walk through the Senbon Torii and continue as far as your legs allow; the main route through the lower tunnels is a short option, while the full loop to the summit and around the mountain takes two to three hours, with views over Kyoto along the way. Look out for the stone altars and sub-shrines beside the path, and visit the shrine windows where priests and shrine maidens offer charms for health, study or business.

Try local snacks at the stalls near the approach, such as inari sushi (rice in sweet fried tofu pouches) and kitsune udon, noodles topped with fried tofu, both linked to the fox legend. Tsujiura senbei, a fortune-cookie style cracker said to date to the 19th century, is another local speciality.

When to go

The shrine can be visited all year and its grounds stay open at night. Early morning and late afternoon are much calmer than midday, and the upper mountain paths are generally quieter than the lower tunnels. Spring and autumn offer pleasant hiking temperatures, while summer is hot and humid on the steps, so carry water. If you visit after dark, stay on well-used routes and carry a light for the forest sections.

Plan your visit

Verified information

Getting there: JR Nara Line to Inari Station, directly in front of the shrine; or Keihan Line to Fushimi-Inari Station, about a 7-minute walk Source: japan.travel ↗
Address: 68 Yabunouchi-cho, Fushimi-ku, Kyoto Source: japan.travel ↗
Opening hours and entry: Grounds open at all times with no closing days; entrance is free Source: ana.co.jp ↗
Time needed: Touring the mountain takes about two to three hours Source: japan.travel ↗
Local rules: Fushimi Inari Taisha is one of Kyoto's Beautification Promotion Areas, where littering and street-smoking violations can be fined up to 30,000 yen Source: kyoto.travel ↗

Checked against the sources on 27 October 2026. Opening times and fees can change — confirm before you go.

Travel tips

Arrive before 8:00 or after 16:00 for the quietest gate tunnels.
Wear comfortable shoes; the mountain circuit involves many stone steps.
Rinse your hands at the chozuya basin before approaching the main hall, and bow lightly when passing under the main gate.
Do not touch, lean on or write on the torii; they are offerings.
Bring water in summer and take your rubbish with you.

General guidance from our specialists, not official information.

Around Fushimi Inari Taisha: food, markets & places to stay

The shrine sits directly opposite JR Inari Station, a few minutes from Kyoto Station on the JR Nara Line, and the Keihan Fushimi-Inari Station is a short walk away. The approach streets have food stalls and shops selling inari sushi, kitsune udon and fox-themed souvenirs. Fushimi Inari combines easily with central Kyoto sights such as Nishiki Market and with To-ji in the south of the city.