CityBuddy
Fushimi Inari Taisha (伏見稲荷大社) - famous torii gate mountain shrine
Best time to visit
Early morning before 8:00 for soft light and far fewer visitors, the shrine feels peaceful. Late afternoon gives warm light, but expect heavier crowds.
Budget tips
No admission fee, the shrine is open 24 hours; reachable by JR Nara Line (covered by Japan Rail Pass) or Keihan Line, bring cash for food stalls and amulets.
Recommended for
Photography enthusiasts, Hikers and nature lovers, Culture and shrine fans, Solo travelers
Plan your visit
1.5-2.5 hours
About
クイックファクト: Stepping under the vermilion gates is like entering a bright, endless corridor, where repeating pillars and dapples of light turn a simple hike into a surreal, almost cinematic walk. Over 10,000 individual torii line the paths, many engraved with donors' names, producing shifting shadows and echoing footsteps that photographers and local worshippers both seek out at sunrise.
ハイライト: Rows of vermilion torii squeeze the path into tunnel after tunnel, thousands of bright pillars stamped with donors' names in black kanji so sunlight falls in barred orange stripes while cedar and incense drift through the air. The trail snakes up the mountain for 233 meters to the summit, punctuated by weathered stone kitsune statues clutching tiny keys in their mouths, a quirky tradition that marks each shrine's role as a guardian of rice and fortunes.
Insider tips
- Wear comfortable, grippy shoes, the route includes uneven stone steps and forest paths.
- Go before 8:00 to beat tour buses, or walk past the main torii to Yotsutsuji lookout for quieter photo opportunities and a Kyoto view.
- Carry water and small change for street snacks, ema (votive plaques), and omamori sold near the entrances.
- Respect worship areas, step aside on narrow stretches of torii, and avoid blocking the path when taking photos.
Kyoto, Japan で無料のウォーキングツアーを予約するにはクリック
地元のツアーガイドと街を体験する最良の方法。
Tip: We strongly recommend a free walking tour on your first day to get to know the city with a local guide. They usually cover all main attractions and you can ask for personal recommendations based on your interests for the next days. Book early as spaces fill up fast!
Reviews
Reviews (2)
4.0Went at noon and it was packed; the lower approach had food stalls but the climb felt cramped. Shrine is free but souvenirs and snacks are pricey, so plan accordingly.
Arrived at 6:45am and walked the torii path with hardly anyone around. No entrance fee, took about an hour to reach the top and the quiet views were worth it.
More attractions in Kyoto
Kiyomizu-dera (清水寺) - historic hillside temple with wooden terrace
Kinkaku-ji (金閣寺, Golden Pavilion) - iconic gold-leaf temple
Ginkaku-ji (銀閣寺, Silver Pavilion) - Zen temple and moss garden
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove (Sagano Bamboo Forest) - scenic bamboo walk