Fushimi Inari Shrine in southern Kyoto, is famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates, which straddle a network of trails on the sacred Mount Inari.
As the head shrine of Inari, the Shinto god of rice, the Shrine has ancient origins and predates the capital’s move to Kyoto in year 794. The shrine became the object of Imperial patronage during the early Heian period, and most commoners worship Inari for wealth.
Since foxes are thought to be Inari's messengers, fox statues can be found across the shrine grounds.
I suppose, the primary reason most foreign visitors visit Fushimi Inari Shrine is to explore the mountain trails.
At the very back of the shrine's main grounds is the entrance to the torii gate covered hiking trail, which starts with two dense, parallel rows of gates.
The gates are generally donations by individuals and companies, and the donator’s name is usually inscribed on the back.
The hike to the summit of the mountain and back takes about three hours.
However, most would stop at Yotsutsuji intersection, just half way up the mountain. I guess, that is because there is a gradual decrease in the density of torii gates.
At this intersection is where some nice views over Kyoto can be enjoyed (if they were to trim the branches).
And please watch out for wild monkeys!!
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