I “underrated” this place.

Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine

But I was wrong!

This spot!

One of the corner of Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine

I thought Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine was just so -so..

I kept seeing those pictures all over the place since they were super popular with tourists, especially the foreigners visiting Japan.

Autumn vibes was here

Yes, many websites recommend this place as one of the places you must visit when you’re coming to Japan, particularly Kyoto.

As expected, many people visit this place

I’ve been to Kyoto several times, but I never thought to check out this place.

Then, someday earlier, I had a reunion with my friend from the Netherlands. As expected, they’re definitely going to visit Tokyo and Kyoto.

So, we decide to meet in Kyoto, spending time together there, and one of their choices is Fushimi Inari! It was pretty close to Kyoto station, and that day was packed with people… even right in front of the main gate!

Honestly, I’m still not that into it.I just go along with them.

This shrine is just one of the many scattered around Japan, built to pay tribute to Inari, the Shinto god of rice. This shrine is the main spot for around 40,000 Inari shrines all over Japan.

Just like any other shrine in Japan, you can make a wish, write it down yourself, and hang it in one of the shrine’s corners alongside thousands of other wishes.

Just hang it here or you can bring it home.

What’s your wish my dear?

I wish you were here..

I’ve heard that this shrine has many gates.

First, I think those gates were probably just 10, maybe 20, or at maximum 100 gates?

Is it only 10, 20 or 100 gates?

Go,go !

But I was completely wrong!

They have so many gates, and they are so long that I can’t count anymore.

I believe it may be thousands, all in red orange. Gates, or Torii (鳥居) in Japanese, are positioned on both sides of the road leading to the peak of Mt. Inari.

It went up and up until my friends gave up and let me complete the journey.Because I enjoy hiking and was interested about where it might end, I did it!

It went up and up

Keep going to the peak of Mt. Inari

The many fox sculptures are another icon of the shrine. Foxes are regarded as Inari’s messengers, and the statues frequently carry keys in their mouths.

Fox sculptures is everywhere in this shrine

Most people presently take a short circle through the tunnels at the foot of the mountain, but there was another less traveled path.

However, I believe that no matter which path you choose, It will nevertheless provide a very rewarding two-hour trek to the summit and around the mountain, with stunning views of Kyoto.

View of Kyoto-city

So, make sure to put Fujimi Inari Taisha Shrine on your bucket list when you visit Japan, and you must definitely come here!