Fushimi Inari2023
Ever since I set my eyes on this place, I have wanted to visit. This year we finally got to walk the Fushimi Inari 「伏見稲荷大社」 trails. Thousands apon thousands of Torii gates 「鳥居」 line the paths up the 764 ft mountain, each one engraved with the name of the donor and the year it was placed. The trail is very popular with tourists so the crowds can be a bit much but the further you push up the mountain, the quieter it gets and this is where the trail really comes into its own. Established in the late 8th century, Fushimi Inari is one of the most historically significant shrines in Kyoto and I'd recommend anyone to visit.
the engravings on the gates are done with exceptional detail
the climb is hard but if you can manage it, do it.
the gates wind their way through the mountain
watching over the visitors as they arrive in their thousands
I have wanted to visit this shrine for a long time, it feels good to be here
locals leave offerings as a sign of respect and reverence
miniture Torii gates purchased by visitors. each with a name and a prayer.
the old stone Torii gates standing amongst the new
The trail is much quieter at the top. Well worth the hike
standing since the early 8th century, Fushimi Inari shine is one of the most historically significant shrines in Kyoto
Inaris messengers holding the key to the rice granary
This place is stunning. It must have been photoed a million times but nothing beats seeing it in person
the jet black writting on the vermillion paint really is eye catching
The gates frame great views of the city bellow
never far from a joro spider
days of walking had taken its tole on my feet but I was determined to make it to the top
Framed against a backdrop of lush mountains, Kyotos sprawling cityscape is a great sight
The trail offers great views of Kyoto alone the way
新しい鳥居
even the posts at the top of the mountain haven't escaped being sticker bombed
donors who contribute funds for the maintenance or addition of torii gates often have their names and donation details inscribed on these plaques
the gates along the trails are donations from individuals and businesses, hoping to gain favor with Inari. each gate bears the donor's name and the date of the donation
natures ever-present grasp on man-made structures
once the crowds start to thin out, the true beauty of this shrine starts to show
the trail is lined with historic shrines, all equally unique
Carved in stone, these shrines were made to last
the striking colours of the gates makes this walk like nothing else
visitors purchase these gates from the shrine where there names and messages are painted on and theyre left to hang at the shrine as an offering to the deity
nestled in the mystical surroundings, this ancient stone shrine stands as a testament to history and faith
freshly painted Torii gates waiting for their oweners to return
It's a long way up but compared to the crowds at the bottom, it's peaceful at the top
Theres something special about walking the paths that have been walked for centuries
marking donations, important visitors, or significant religious events associated with the shrine
visitors decorate some of the gates
the enterance gate to the shrine stands tall amongst the rest
never ending steps but too excited to let that bother me
12000+ steps later and still smiling
Definitely a workout
the trails are packed with visitors. I cant help but feel like part of the problem
Even in the middle of the day, the gates block out most of the sun
