Japan has some truly beautiful shrines, and lots of them. Voted as the best tourist destination in Japan by Trip Advisor last year, with a whopping 4.7 star rating, the Fushimi Inari Shrine is bound to leave you seeing red.

An important Shinto Shrine in Southern Kyoto, the Fushimi Inari Shrine is composed of thousands of vermilion torii gates, and there is no way to comprehend just how many gates there are until you start walking, and walking, and walking.

Fushimi Inari Shrine is the most important of several thousands of shrines dedicated to Inari, the Shinto god of rice. The many foxes that you will find scattered among the shrine are his messengers. Most of the gates are donated by Japanese businesses, in hope of prosperity and good business luck from the god.

Primarily, visitors come to hike the many mountain trails, but even for the more lazy visitors, the shrine is definitely worth a visit. And you may find yourself unconsciously getting a decent amount of exercise as you lose yourself within the many red tunnels created by the many, many gates.

As you climb higher and higher, you will find yourself becoming more and more isolated from the swarming crowds further down. A moment taken to appreciate the serene peace and beauty of the mountain is a moment not wasted. But if you are planning on completing the hike to the top of the mountain, give yourself a good 2-3 hours and pat on the back.

Get There and Around

Fushimi Inari Shrine is located just outside JR Inari Station, the second station from Kyoto Station along the JR Nara Line (5 minutes, 140 yen one way from Kyoto Station, not served by rapid trains). The shrine can also be reached in a short walk from Fushimi Inari Station along the Keihan Main Line.