Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine in Kyoto Japan

Fushimi Inari Taisha is a Shinto shrine located in the city of Kyoto, Japan. The shrine is dedicated to Inari, the god of agriculture and prosperity, and is known for its thousands of vermilion torii gates that line the trails leading up to the main complex. The trail leading to the main complex is called the Senbon Torii (thousands of torii gates) and it is about 4km long.

Fushimi Inari Taisha is considered one of the most important shrines dedicated to Inari in Japan and is visited by millions of people every year. The main complex includes several main buildings, including the main hall, the inner sanctuary and various sub-shrines. The main hall houses several statues of Inari, as well as other gods and goddesses associated with the shrine.

One of the most popular aspects of the shrine is the Senbon Torii, which is a long trail lined with thousands of vermilion torii gates. The gates were donated by individuals and businesses, and many of them bear inscriptions with the names of the donors. The trail leads through the forested area of the sacred Mount Inari and offers visitors a chance to take in the natural beauty of the area. Along the trail, there are also several smaller shrines and statues, as well as shops selling souvenirs and traditional Japanese snacks.

Fushimi Inari Taisha is open year-round and is free to enter. Visitors can access the shrine by taking the JR Nara line to Inari Station or Keihan Main Line to Fushimi-Inari station.

Gods in Fushimi Inari?

Fushimi Inari Taisha is a Shinto shrine in Kyoto, Japan, dedicated to the god Inari, who is the patron of business, prosperity, and fertility. The shrine is known for its thousands of vermilion torii gates, which form a network of trails that lead up the mountain behind the shrine.

Inari is a complex and multifaceted deity with many aspects and manifestations. In addition to being the patron of business and prosperity, Inari is also associated with agriculture, foxes, fertility, and tea ceremony. Inari is also considered the protector of travelers, especially those traveling by sea.

The Fushimi Inari Taisha is also home to numerous other deities, including the god Ukanomitama, who is the patron of agriculture, and the god Ebisu, who is the patron of fishermen and merchants. Other deities also associated with Fushimi Inari are the god of harvest and fertility, god of industry and god of prosperity.

The Fushimi Inari Taisha is one of the most visited shrines in Japan and is considered one of the most important shrines dedicated to Inari. It's a must visit place for those who are interested in Japanese culture and history.

Places to visit in Kyoto Japan

Places to visit during Travel Kyoto Japan

Kyoto, the former capital of Japan, is known for its rich history, culture, and natural beauty. Some places that are worth visiting in Kyoto include:

Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine: This shrine is known for its thousands of vermilion torii gates that lead up to the mountain behind the shrine. It's an iconic place in Kyoto and a popular spot for tourists.

Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion): This temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it's famous for its beautiful golden structure that reflects on the pond in front of it, creating a stunning view.

Gion: Gion is a historic district in Kyoto that is known for its traditional wooden machiyas (townhouses) and geisha culture. Visitors can take a walk through the streets and enjoy the traditional architecture and atmosphere.Also see Gion Matsuri

Arashiyama: This district is located on the western outskirts of Kyoto, and it's famous for its beautiful bamboo groves and scenic views of the surrounding hills. Visitors can take a boat ride on the Hozu River or walk along the Togetsukyo Bridge.

Kiyomizu-dera Temple: This temple is another UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it's known for its wooden stage that juts out from the main hall, offering a great view of the city.

Nijo Castle: This castle was built in the 17th century and it's a great example of traditional Japanese castle architecture. It's also known for its nightingale floors, which make chirping sounds when walked on, which were designed to prevent intruders.

Kyoto Imperial Palace: This palace is the former residence of the Imperial Family and it's surrounded by beautiful gardens. Visitors can take a tour of the palace and learn about the history of the Imperial Family.

Kyoto National Museum: This museum is a great place to learn about the history and culture of Kyoto and Japan. It houses a large collection of art and artifacts, including national treasures and important cultural properties.

Toei Eigamura: Place where you can see or meet Ninja and Samurai. Very popular traveling spot for kids and adult men that loves Japanese Culture!

Here are some of the good points of Kyoto:

Rich cultural heritage: Kyoto was Japan's capital for over a thousand years and as a result, it is home to many historical sites, including over 2,000 temples and shrines. Some of the most famous include Kinkaku-ji (the Golden Pavilion), Fushimi Inari-taisha (a shrine known for its thousands of vermilion torii gates), and Kiyomizu-dera (a temple with a famous wooden stage that offers views over the city).

Beautiful gardens and nature: Kyoto is surrounded by beautiful nature, and visitors can enjoy strolls through the city's many traditional gardens, such as the garden at Ryoan-ji temple or the moss garden at Saiho-ji temple. The city is also known for its cherry blossom and autumn foliage viewing spots.

Delicious food: Kyoto is known for its traditional Japanese cuisine, such as kaiseki ryori (a multi-course meal) and tofu dishes. Visitors can also enjoy the local delicacies such as yudofu (boiled tofu) and yatsuhashi (a sweet made from glutinous rice flour).

Traditional arts and crafts: Kyoto is known for its traditional arts and crafts, including kimono and textiles Nishijin-ori for example, pottery, and lacquerware. Visitors can find a wide variety of unique and beautiful handicrafts in the city's shops and markets.

Relaxing atmosphere: Kyoto is a relatively calm and quiet city compared to other major cities in Japan, such as Tokyo and Osaka. Visitors can enjoy a more relaxed pace of life and take the time to appreciate the beauty of the city.

Great transportation: Kyoto is well-connected by train and bus, making it easy to explore the city and surrounding areas. Visitors can also rent a bicycle to explore the city in a more leisurely way.

What is Maiko?

 Maiko are traditional Japanese apprentice geisha. They are young women who are undergoing training to become full-fledged geisha, also known as geiko.

Maiko typically begin their training at a young age, usually around 15 years old, and spend several years learning traditional arts such as classical music, dance, and tea ceremony, as well as social skills such as conversation and hostessing. They also learn how to apply traditional makeup and hairstyles, which are very intricate and distinctive.

Maiko can be distinguished from geiko by their hairstyles and clothing. They wear brightly colored kimono with long, trailing sleeves and a long, wide obi (sash) tied in the front. They also wear tall wooden sandals called okobo. Their hair is styled in a very elaborate hairstyle, with a red and white striped cloth covering the top of the head.

Maiko traditionally work in the hanamachi, or "flower towns," of Kyoto and other parts of Japan, where they entertain guests at tea houses and other venues. They are typically accompanied by older, more experienced geiko, who act as mentors and chaperones.

Maiko are considered symbols of traditional Japanese culture and beauty, and they often participate in traditional festivals and ceremonies. They are also very popular with tourists visiting Kyoto, who can see them perform traditional dances and other arts, and even take pictures with them.

It's worth noting that becoming a maiko is not an easy task, it requires a lot of dedication, and not all applicants are accepted. The training is long and demanding, and the life of a maiko can be quite challenging, but it's also a way to keep the traditional culture alive, and also gives the opportunity for young women to learn valuable skills and gain independence.


Places to visit in Kyoto Japan