Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine

Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine in Kyoto is the main shrine believed to have about 32,000 sub-shrines all over Japan. Located at the base of Inari, Japan, a mountain by the same name, the Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine is 233 meters above sea level. It is a beautiful shrine with many smaller shrines spanning 4 kilometers.

It takes about 2 hours to walk up to all the shrines. However, the journey is worth it because of the scenic beauty, tranquility and mesmerizing architecture of the shrines. The shrine was built as a worship place, as many businesspersons, merchants and manufacturers worshipped Inari in early Japan. Thus, each torii (gate) is donated by a Japanese business.  

Facts About The Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine

• The Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine stands in first rank as a government supported shrine.
• Many Fox sculptures are found inside the shrine. They are believed to be messengers of Shinto God of Rice. One of the prominent figures is of a fox carrying a key (for the granaries of rice) in its mouth.
• The main shrine was made in 1499 and it has many tori paths that lead to the smaller ones thus, making it an enjoyable journey to visit them.
  
  
• The shrine is a popular tourist spot. Many say it is the best place of interest in Kyoto.
  
  
• The best time to visit it is during the Japanese New Year and around 3 million people come during that time.