Disclaimer: The content is translated from Traditional Chinese by AI. We’re reviewing all translations manually to ensure the accuracy!

📍 Fushimi Inari Taisha

Fushimi Inari Taisha is located at the foot of Mount Inari, which is regarded as a sacred place, and is famous for its unique Senbon torii gate. This shrine mainly enshrines the god Inari, and is revered as “the god who is responsible for the foundation of clothing, food, and shelter, and protects everyone to live a prosperous and happy life.” Inari Omikami is worshipped as a deity that blesses abundant grains, prosperous commerce, family safety, and fulfils various desires. This belief has spread all over Japan, and Fushimi Inari Taisha is the head office of the Sanmanza Inari Shrine. This article will introduce you to:

• The origin of Senbon Torii
• The main gate and main hall of Inari Taisha: Did a temple ever exist?
• Inari Taisha and foxes
• Why is Senbon Torii Gate red?

‍

The origin of Senbon Torii

For believers, Mount Inari is a sacred forest where gods, nature, and humans coexist. Since the Edo period, individual believers, companies, and local chambers of commerce have organized conflict donations to erect torii gates within shrines to show respect for gods. Over time, a large number of torii gates of various sizes have been built within the shrine. From the Okusha Worship Hall at the entrance to the highest peak of Mount Inari, the 233-meter-high “Ichinomine,” there are now over 10,000 torii gates within the shrine grounds!

‍

The tower gate of Inari Taisha

As the main gate of Fushimi Inari Taisha, the tower gate was built by Toyotomi Hideyoshi in Tensho 17 (1589) and has been designated as an important cultural property. Inside the building, a prayer written by Hideyoshi Toyotomi to pray for her mother to recover from her illness is preserved. The content is “Please let the mother live for another three years. If it were really difficult, it would be two years. If it still doesn't work, then at least 30 days. “If it works, I would like to pay 10,000 koku”, and it is still in good condition. The statues on both sides of the front of the gate are called “Zuigami,” and they are responsible for protecting the god Inari.

‍

‍

The main hall of Inari Taisha: Has a temple ever existed?

The Onin Incident in the second year of Onin (1468) led to the destruction of the shrine's Hall of Fame. In order to raise funds for reconstruction, a Hongan-ji Temple was established locally, known as Aizen-ji Temple. It continued until the end of the Yuan Dynasty, but it was abolished during the end of the Edo period. The main hall you see now is a version that was reconstructed in the 8th year of Meio (1499), and was designated as a national important cultural property by the Japanese government. The main hall enshrines Uga no Mikami, Sata Hiko, Omiya Noemuri, Tanaka Okami, and the four major gods, which are collectively known as Inari Daijin. The Tang Breeze on the front and the load-bearing structure on the bridge are carved with exquisite phoenix and flower patterns.

‍

Inari Taisha and foxes

Foxes are messengers of “Inari Omikami,” so stone carvings in the shape of foxes are used in many places within the shrine to replace common stone lions. The messenger of “Inari Omikami” is not an ordinary mountain fox, but an entity we humans cannot see with the naked eye, and is honored as a “white (transparent) fox.”

‍

Why is Senbon Torii Gate red?

The Senbon Torii is built along a mountain path. The word “dedication” can be seen on the front of the torii gate, and the name and date of the sponsor or organization is engraved on the back. The color vermilion is seen as a symbol of being able to fight evil, and was often used in ancient Japanese palaces and shrines. At Inari Taisha, the vermilion color also represents the fertility power of the Inari God. In addition, the red color is also used for practical reasons, because the composition of cinnabar helps to protect wood.

‍

‍

If you look at the torii gates from the side, they vary in size. Although most of them are red, you can also find some historic and older stone torii gates along the way (as shown in the picture below). According to data, the torii gates that still exist can be traced back to the Meiji period. Believers not only worship torii gates to pray for their wishes to come true, but they also use torii gates to express their gratitude and indicate that their wishes have already come true.

‍

In addition to torii gates set up along mountain trails, you can also see altars from various eras along the way, with mini torii gates of various sizes hanging on them to pray for good luck. Finally, Fushimi Inari Taisha holds many festivals and events every year, and there are various ceremonies and activities during the festival. Be sure to check out the official website below before you visit!

‍

How do I get to Fushimi Inari Taisha?

Method 1: 5 minutes on foot from JR Inari Station (Nara Line)
Method 2: 5 minute walk from Fushimi-Inari Station (Keihan Main Line)
💡 Address: 68 Fukakusa Yabunouchicho, Fushimi Ward, Kyoto, 612-0882 (Google Maps)Please click here)
💡 Opening hours: 24 hours
💡 Ticket price: free
💡 Official website: https://inari.jp/

‍

🚝 Must-haves for traveling in Japan

Use Skyscanner to find the cheapest international and national flight, together with ‍JR Pass, you can enjoy unlimited travel on the nationwide JR network, including Shinkansen. Giving you the freedom to explore Japan at your own pace, with no limit on the number of trips you can take.