What other travelers are saying about Koizumi Inari Shrine
A wonderful quiet shrine. Lovely torii gates. My group was almost alone when we drive on an autumn weekend afternoon. The staff confirmed filming/photography is okay.
Koizumi Inari Shrine is open 24 hours daily with free admission. The shrine also provides free parking for 40 cars, making it accessible at any time of day or night. However, for the best experience and photography opportunities, early morning or late afternoon visits are recommended to avoid crowds and capture optimal lighting conditions.
The most popular time to visit is during the Koizumi Cosmos Festival from mid to late October when millions of colorful cosmos flowers bloom in the 11-hectare fields surrounding the shrine's famous torii gate. This creates a spectacular contrast between the vibrant red torii gates and the delicate white and pink cosmos flowers against Mount Akagi's backdrop. The exact dates can vary depending on blooming conditions, so checking the official event website beforehand is advisable.
Koizumi Inari Shrine features over 200-300 torii gates arranged in three distinct rows of tunnels across the shrine grounds, including Gunma Prefecture's tallest torii gate at approximately 22 meters. These vermillion gates were donated by worshippers whose wishes for business success, abundant harvests, and household prosperity were fulfilled. The shrine's remote location and Instagram-worthy scenery have made it one of the most photogenic spots in the Greater Tokyo region.
From Tokyo, take trains to Takasaki Station in Gunma Prefecture, then connect to local transport. The shrine is accessible by a 10-minute taxi ride from Kunisada Station on the JR lines. For drivers, the shrine is 5 minutes by car from the Ota-Yabuzuka Interchange on the Kita-Kanto Expressway, or about 30 minutes from Maebashi city. The shrine's address is 231 Koizumicho, Isesaki.
Plan to spend 1-2 hours walking through the three rows of torii gate tunnels and exploring the shrine grounds. The main experience involves a contemplative walk beneath the vermillion torii gates, each representing answered prayers from past devotees. During cosmos season, additional time should be allocated for flower viewing and photography. The shrine can feel quite remote despite its Instagram popularity, so visitors should prepare for a peaceful, off-the-beaten-path experience with stunning photo opportunities.
**Goshuins done here**
Very packed during late December and New Year holidays, the locals come here to celebrate. Three beautiful consecutive rows of Tori gates to the shrine. There were many food and souvenir tents when we visited.
Parking is over in the dirt lot (where you can take a nice shot of the Tori gate with the mountain looming over in the background.
Wonderful Inari shrine with the many compacted torii gates. A goshuin stamp is available but you actually stamp it yourself and write the date yourself - which is different. Also, common are the many fox ceramic statues which you can purchase as well. The highlight of course are the torii gates!
