Visiting the god of sake
The best part of Fushimi Inari is that it is free to visit! The mountain is dedicated to the god Inari, the god of rice, sake, and money. It’s a sacred site (and a very popular place for selfies!) and the paths up the mountain are lined with the red torii gates marking a Shinto shrine. The gates represent the separation of the sacred from the earthly.
What does the fox say?
The fox is the symbol of the god Inari, and is believed to be the god’s messenger. Along the way, you’ll pass hundreds of statues of foxes wearing the red cloths of the shrine. The fox is also the symbol of the shrine, and there are plenty of fox-themed souvenirs to buy along the way.
Even though Fushimi Inari is one of the busiest and most popular places to visit in Kyoto, it doesn’t feel touristy at all. Sure, it’s a little crowded around the main shrine, but once you begin the walk up the mountain, the crowds will fall behind and you’ll be able to really enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the shrine. There is no entrance fee or opening hours. It’s a public place for meditation and enjoying the beauty of nature.
Kyoto Japan: A Short Guide
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