A beautiful shrine and a MUST visit for anyone visiting Kyoto. However, be aware that this is most definitely NOT suitable for those with mobility issues.
We arrived about 7am and hiked up the mountain (about 42 storeys according to our smart watch). This is another shrine that you simply must arrive early to avoid the rush. Whilst our climb wasn't too busy, on our way back down, crowds of people were arriving, along with the large tour groups, making the base of the site incredibly busy.
If you do want to hike to the top shrine, you will arrive at a crossroads on the climb, here you will make your choice, go right (steeper up stairs, but shorter) or go left (longer, but with a more gradual climb). We went right for the steeper climb, giving us a nicer decent, and we were very happy with our choice.
As with other shines in Kyoto getting good pictures can be tricky, you'll wait for the perfect shot just for someone to walk into frame at the last moment, also be aware you'll get stuck behind others trying to take perfect pictures which will slow you down on your trip, you'll need plenty of time for this one.
This is easily accessible on the JR line, ¥240 approx from central Kyoto.
It’s definitely a worthwhile experience, especially if you hike all the way to the top of the mountain. That’s when you truly immerse yourself in the experience, connect with nature, and feel the meditative atmosphere and purpose of the shrine. If you don’t go all the way up, you end up stuck in the more touristy area, crowded with people, making it harder to connect. The hike is a bit challenging, taking around 40 minutes to 1.5 hours, but it’s absolutely worth it for the full experience. On the way back, I even stopped halfway at a viewpoint, lay down on the rocks soaking up the sun for about 40 minutes, and it was amazing—I almost took a nap.
Fushimi Inari Taisha is a captivating destination that offers a blend of natural beauty, cultural significance, and a unique spiritual atmosphere. It is dedicated to Inari, the Shinto God of rice. One will also encounter numerous fox statues on the shrine ground as foxes are considered Inari's messengers.
The thousand of torii gates create an enchanting atmosphere with its vibrant red colour. These gates create a mesmerizing tunnel like pathway, offering a stunning experience.
The hike to the top of the Inari mountain offers a beautiful view of Kyoto at the mid -stop and allows visitors to experience the serene atmosphere. At the mid-stop there is a stall selling simple ramen meal. All along the hike, there are various shrines where one can stop and absorb the spiritual experience. Along the hike is a beautiful pond , which can echo your voice or clap. The hike to the top takes 45 min to an hour, so prepare your water and wear comfortable shoes.
I visited this beautiful and unique temple during the New Year period last December, and it was an incredible experience! Even though I arrived early in the morning, there were already many people there, which speaks to how popular and special this place is. The temple itself is truly stunning, with intricate architecture and a serene atmosphere.
One of the highlights is the hiking trail nearby. Some visitors choose to go for a run early in the morning, which adds to the peaceful and energetic vibe of the area. It’s such a cool spot for both relaxation and physical activity.
Entrance to the temple is completely free, making it an accessible and must-visit destination. I highly recommend checking out this temple if you're looking for a peaceful, beautiful place to start your day!
Free area to hike. No matter what time you go, it will always be busy. The higher up you go up, the less people there will be. Be prepared to go up steps and walk for 2-3 hours. Stick to the right side when you reach the upper loop it's a less steep climb compared to if you start on the left side. If you start on the right you go down on the the steep part which is much easier. There are also many resting areas and little shops to have a snack at along the trail. Saw 3 cute kitties on the trail.
