Senbon Torii (Thousand Torii Gates)

Such a beautiful and spiritual place to visit. We visited on New Year Eve in the evening before the midnight temple testimonial visit. It is and even more than you would imagine. I felt lighter and calm when I entered and walked to the gates. Definitely a must visit and I would avoid the morning. Night time is just a calm, relaxing and no rushing plus just few people here. You can take your time and enjoys the temple and the moments.

The thousand torii gates have always been on my must-visit list. I’m a huge fan of the movie Memoirs of a Geisha, and there’s a scene where the young protagonist runs through the torii gates as a child. That image left a deep impression on me. When I finally arrived, the scenery was just as stunning as I imagined. The endless rows of vibrant red torii gates create a mysterious and almost magical atmosphere. The only downside is that it gets very crowded, so walking through and taking it all in requires a slow, patient pace. I highly recommend visiting the thousand torii gates. For the best experience, try to go early in the morning or on a weekday when it’s less crowded—it makes the visit much more enjoyable and serene.

We began our hike just after 4pm, when the lower path was still busy with visitors. But the higher we climbed, the quieter it became, until eventually—about ten minutes below the summit—we found ourselves almost completely alone. From that spot we were treated to a beautiful night view of the city, a perfect pause before reaching the top just after 5pm. At the summit, the temple sat in a peaceful, slightly eerie stillness that felt almost otherworldly—quiet enough that, if you listened closely, you could imagine hearing the spirits moving through the gates. The walk down let us fully soak in that atmosphere. A haunting and memorable experience.

Words cannot do justice to this place. The journey to the summit is something that must be done when you are in Kyoto. Enjoy the beauty of the surroundings and make sure to visit all the small shrines along the way to the summit. It is best to visit this place very early in the morning or around sunset.

This was a fun little excursion! Definitely go early in the morning to beat the crowds. We got there around 8am on a Wednesday and there were people but it wasn’t overly crowded. As we were coming back down around 9:30am it was very busy. The Tori gates get a little repetitive and there isn’t much to see past the intersection loop. There are many little offshoots and shrines to stop at along the way and I would recommend taking your time to explore

Maaan there is more than a thousand 😃 Loved this place. Was there at like 9 and it was crazy full. Yet when you get to the top you will find a spot for yourself even for just a little while. Many shortcuts, but I don't recommend taking them, as it better just walking all the way through. There is something like a mid-station where you can have an ice-cream and a great view. LOTS of Kitsune

Stairs stairs and more stairs up and down and then up again. The “hike” is divided in 2 parts. One is a quick circle you pass through gates and do a circle. Nice and easy. But this is where 99% of all the people are. You have the option to go to the top which is very pretty and almost no one does it. This is where you can take nice pictures and midway point with a wonderful view over Kyoto. I would suggest you go in the afternoon to see a wonderful sunset. There are lights when it gets dark but ensure you have enough battery for flashlight. You can’t get lost since you follow the trail of gates.

Senbon Torii: Where Patience is Your Best Camera Setting. The Senbon Torii at Fushimi Inari is a truly magnificent and iconic Kyoto experience. The endless path of vibrant gates is breathtaking and a must-see. Highlights & Tips: Be Strategic with Crowds: The area is popular, but if you go during a slightly less busy time and are patient, you can capture amazing photos. A great tip is to time your shots right as other tourists pass a gate corner. We managed to get photos that looked like we had the place entirely to ourselves! Self-Guided is Great: We recommend a self-guided tour to set your own pace and truly enjoy the tranquility and scenery. There are plenty of signs providing historical and cultural context. Cultural Souvenir: Don't miss the chance to try the mikuji-bako fortune-telling box. It was a fun, interactive souvenir—we enjoyed shaking the box to draw our stick and receive a fortune! Many visitors suggest hiking further up the mountain to find quieter spots. Maybe next time for us :) Getting There: We traveled from Namba by metro with one connection. We got off at Fushimi-Inari Station and it was about a 10-minute walk from there. The overall journey took about 90 minutes from Namba.

Yes, Fushimi Inari is as magical as what you've seen in photos - and more. Visiting this spiritual site really grounds you and allows you to immerse in something beyond what's here, no matter what you believe. This is an absolute must in Japan. We of course wanted to visit Fushimi Inari when in Kyoto like everyone else. Get here early to avoid the massive crowds, yet there will still be crowds since this is a treasured temple, especially with the orange torii gates that you lead you along the way on the mountain. But here's the thing, most people visit, walk for a bit just to get photos and head back to the bottom. If you are visiting Japan for the first time - move your ass and make your way to the summit, which is what we did. You won't regret it. Plus, way less crowds. Along the trail, there are plenty of other shrines to check out along with rest stops that have small stands, selling refreshments and offerings for the shrines. If you're planning to reach the summit, I recommend going one way up and the other way down versus the same route. Also, there's plenty of side trails to check out, including one that takes you to a bamboo forest. Don't just come here for the selfies. Come here for the hike and reflect on the meaning of this magical place in Kyoto. What a beautiful journey this is.

Get here early if you want to avoid the crowds, like before 8am or after 5pm. Wear bug repellent if you're easily targeted by mosquitos (especially after it has rained). Bring snacks to keep you fueled if you decide to challenge yourself to the top. The crowd will start thinning out the higher you go up. You'll encounter vending machines along the way, so bring some cash or coins with you. Get the minute maid white grape drink because it is delicious AF. You'll be tired and sweaty, but you'll have bragging rights that you made it to the top. I thought the way up would be easy because the steps are shallow but the stairs at some point moved further away from each other. And halfway up, the path will turn into two, so make sure you're going the right way. There are some benches along the way you can rest on. And you'll come across some cool red bib wearing shrine-guarding fox stone statues. Expect a round trip here to be about 2.5 to 3 hours if you're taking your time hiking up and down through the thousands of gates. The hike down got a bit confusing, too. I ended up being separated from my friend because I stopped to take photos of cats and the path split into two but eventually, we crossed paths again. I've been here twice, Oct '24 and April '25. It was humid and rainy when we went in Oct and very busy, so we didn't hike up. The weather in April was somewhat cool(ish), but it got warmer as we made our way up to the top. So, if you plan to do the hike up, dress appropriately with the weather and wear good comfortable shoes. Depending on what time you go there will be food vendors and shops open so you can get fueled up and pick up some souvenirs. Keep in main the shops are mainly open from 8am to 3-4pm. My friend and I got okonomiyaki from a food stall and kakigori from a shop near the train station. Overall, it was an exhausting but cool experience walking through the huge torii gates! My friend hated me for making him do the whole hike but at least we made it to the top, got in some nice views of Kyoto and got in a good workout! A must see if you're in Kyoto!

An amazing experience! I honestly tried to get here super early but with other ppl traveling with me, it's super difficult. I did manage to get here at a decent time around 1030am, however, it was raining intermittently, which makes it challenging when walking through the gates. To prepare myself, I've watched several videos who stated that you should walk all the way to the top if you want some solo pics. Some ppl stated that even walking about 15 minutes through the gates, the crowd thins out, but I felt that wasn't the case at all. There was still quite a bit of ppl when I was halfway through. I honestly tried to climb all the way to the top. However, I had swollen feet that day due to the humidity, rain, and mosquito bites, I just couldn't do it! I did get some amazing pics though. This place is beautiful in person and there's many vendors on the way with a small little rest area with small shops about a third of the way as you ascend through the gates. Well worth the experience!

Such a beautiful and spiritual place to visit. We visited on New Year Eve in the evening before the midnight temple testimonial visit. It is and even more than you would imagine. I felt lighter and calm when I entered and walked to the gates. Definitely a must visit and I would avoid the morning. Night time is just a calm, relaxing and no rushing plus just few people here. You can take your time and enjoys the temple and the moments.

A must visit when you go to Kyoto. Fushimi Inari Taisha is a shrine for Inari, Shinto god of rice. Foxes are the messengers for the god so many souvenirs also have foxes in there. It takes 2-3+ hours to walk the whole thing but honestly you can just visit the front part. It's free to enter the shrine. It's really cool to see it in person. We also rent kimonos and took many pictures and videos. It's very very very hot for summer so I would recommend to come in spring or fall.

A historical and picturesque location. Yes it's crowded and busy but that's to be expected. It's a tourist location so know that going in. if you want no other folks, you gotta go early or late. It is open 24hr. So it is what it is. You can't beat the experience and it's a must see when you are there for sure!

For a wide open area, this attraction was definitely way overcrowded! Yes, we did come here during the last week of December. But I wasn't expecting the street market to also be fully packed as well, filled with tourists like myself. It was kind of annoying to say the least. Anyways, about seeing the Senbon Torii, it was pretty grandiose just to be there and see. We just went along with the crowd like cattle, and went through the 1,000 gates. The walk isn't too steep or challenging, but there were a good amount of steps. So make sure to wear comfortable walking shoes. The highlight of my tour was at the very end, when I was able to get a sakè shot from a street vendor for only 100¥ or $0.65.

It is definitely a place to visit and feel the time, labor and sacrifice people made to errect 1000's torii. When you put your mind on it, can accomplish this impossible task. Fushimi Inari Taisha shrine started at the Edo period (1603 - 1868) and dedicated to Inari, shinto diety of rice, agriculture, and prosperity, and is considered the head shrine of all Inari shrines in Japan (Google summary). Do your research before stepping foot here instead of IG photos. Yelling, talking loud, eating food and drinking, blocking traffic to take IG is frowned up on. Only us the visitors from non Japan area are ridiculing the experience at this site.

One of many tourist hot spots in Kyoto, we reserved some time to visit Fushimi Inari. Be prepared to walk a lot and wear comfortable gym shoes as this destination requires elevated hiking. We did not go all the way up. In fact we just spent an hour to take in the sights and shrines. As we were heading towards one of the major shrines just past the entrance, there was a kiosk selling traditional wooden Ema (a.k.a prayer/wish request blocks) ranging in size from a couple hundred to a thousand yen. To obtain an Ema, you would place your monetary donation in the box, grab a pen and write your prayer request on the block then deposit your block in a separate bin off to the side. The completed Emas in the separate bin eventually get collected and hung at the shrine until they are ritually burned at special events symbolic of the liberation of the wish from the writer. Per Wikipedia "Ema can be hung up either for one's personal benefit or for the benefit of another." Out of all the shrines we visited, I thought this one to be special and my most favorite one to visit during our time in Japan. Despite dealing with the crowds, it is beautiful, peaceful and I really enjoyed the spiritual significance/history of the shrine. Definitely worth the cultural trip and time while in Kyoto.

Fushimi Inari is as magical as it is a workout. The iconic orange torii gates are stunning, especially if you go early before the crowds swarm in. The lower path is packed with photo ops and people trying to get selifies, but climb a little higher and it gets peaceful, almost meditative. It's a workout, yes -- endless stairs -- but the views and vibes are worth it. Wear good shoes, bring water, and don't feel bad if you don't make it to the top. The magic starts at the first gate.

I totally recommend visiting this shrine, but advise it is super tourist destination so either come early in morning or very late afternoon. The time I came with my tour group, it was after 10am. The weather here in Japan during September month is very humid, I felt like it best to visit in Autumn or spring time when it is much cooler. Just even walking for few steps, just made me go in survival mode, use cooling towel, portable fan, of course cold drinks from favorite vending machines throughout Japan. Just to capture a photo walking thru the Torii gates, you will get tourists left to right. I advised to get off the beaten designed path with signage, or keep going higher as I heard most tourists do not go to the very top. WEAR COMFORTABLE SHOES AS YOUR FEET WILL THANK YOU LATER. I saw female visitors wearing high heels or hard traditional footwear when wearing kimonos. Even if I wanted the most photogenic photos while wearing kimono, come early without the crowds of non local people during the cooler seasons just to enjoy my time without the tourists lol. Stay hydrated when visiting during the summer months or in September, mark my words. Here is link of info of Torii gates. https://www.japan.travel/en/spot/1128/

The Fushimi Inari Shrine is a major tourist destination for those visiting Kyoto. Known for the tens of thousands of vermilion torii guiding you along your way up the mountain, this shrine is a must see for any visitor. Being a major tourist spot, of course, you can expect there to be a huge number of other tourists when you visit. Fushimi Inari Shrine is dedicated to the important god Inari, a deity associated with rice (think Demeter to the Ancient Greeks), fertility and prosperity. They are also associated with foxes, which you will find statues of throughout the Shrine complex. Inari is a deity that is sometimes presented as male, sometimes female: it depends on the location and who you're talking to. The first main shrine you enter is quite spectacular and very close to the stone stairways off the street. But, if you choose to walk to the top of the shrine (about a 45 minute hike) you will see and experience this as an active shrine in the lives of he people who live near by. As others have mentioned, you should definitely dress comfortably with good walking/hiking shoes. The trip up is fairly steep and unless you are in tip-top shape, you will probably want to take a break mid-way up. Conveniently, there are a number of small shops selling merchandise pertaining to the shrine (often featuring foxes) as well as vending machines to grab a much-needed drink. Seeing torii that were both ancient and brand new and the accumulation of offerings on various shrines within the larger complex gave a strong sense of this shrine as an important part of contemporary religion. Fushimi Inari was a fascinating cultural landmark and one I highly recommend visiting.

This is a unique and important shrine in Kyoto dedicated to Inari, the Shinto god of rice. The draw for tourists is the torii gate-covered hiking trail. The trail to the top and back takes about 90 minutes with two nice lookout view points. Crowds can be challenging like so many of the sites in Japan. It was a very positive experience.

Great place to visit to see the giant torii gates and walk under thousand torii gates. Be warned that it gets super busy here with tourists so definitely go early, early morning. You can also walk off the set path if you want to get away from crowds though the main path is where all the gates are. Definitely recommend coming if you're in the area for a pretty cool sight you won't see elsewhere.

It's about time I get to this review. We took advantage of when Japan opened back up after the pandemic and took a last minute trip to Japan. It was my first time in Kyoto and I knew I did want to see some of the touristy hot spots and explore the beautiful shrine that everyone knows when they think about Kyoto. The torii gates line up a full 2 mile trail with plenty of steps to get your steps in. The place is so magical and serene in itself and even more beautiful when you take a quick moment to really just take that in. I read that there is about 10,000 torii bright orange gates. We were patient and walked a bit further in to be able to capture some good photos with not too many people around. I was also told to wear comfy shoes since there is lots of walking so be ready with that. I was told it could get pretty crowded and I can agree that the few gates at the front are fairly crowded with people that just stop there to get their photos and leave. A must for anyone visiting Kyoto.

The Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine is definitely a bucket list item for Kyoto. They are open 24 hours a day and we went in the early morning to get the best views/photos. It gets pretty crowded fast! I recommend taking the train there (it's a super easy ride) and a short walk through a bunch of cool souvenir shops and food! The shrine itself is huge! There were so many mini shrines to see! The walk up to the top took about 2-3 hours. There are food/snack places along the way. I recommend wearing very comfortable shoes and bringing cash for the stores in the Shrine. The stores vary in prices but check out the cool souvenir shops! I found beautiful pottery and adorable fox items! What an amazing experience and I look forward to climbing it again!

Beautiful shrine but incredibly over run by tourists just trying to take selfies. No photo zones are pretty empty, and often those are the places with real meaning. I understand for special occasions the light up the thousand lanterns which must be very special!

Got to cross this place off my bucket list. Definitely worth taking a gander at if you are in the area. On a whole the pictures and videos of this place does not do it justice, definitely something you have to come and see yourself. If you have kids it will be a hike to the top if you make it that far up, I think we only got a 1/3 of the way up buwhaha you can tell by the amount of people moving back and forth, the less the people the higher up your are lol The feel of the place is solace, in the front on the entrance not so much but once you start walking up and taking in all the smells and sights definitely get you feeling at peace. Some of the walk ways are tight but the higher up you go the less people, less people is easier for photos with you and your kids lol Also by the entrance they do have several things you can purchase, keepsakes, the icon ones come in different sizes the red arches and they can be labeled with a note in Japanese that you can leave at the top of your trek or take home with you, very nice touch Again this is a temple, be polite, everyone here was courteous, there are long lines to certain things, everyone is taking pictures but again why wouldn't you and how often are you going to Japan just for this experience. Definitely a spot you want to visit keepsakes ***** several to choose from food **** ice cold bottled water if not sugary drinks offered price ? I honestly don't recall the cost to get in service ***** helpful staff (everyone we asked for help or directions) ambiance ***** definitely breath taking views from any section you get to, just a note during July it is extremely hot, stop at every drink spot to re-hydrate lol

This Shrine is a must see in Kyoto. Knowing that it would be insanely busy, my gf and I decided to come in the evening both for a unique look and also for lesser crowds and boy did it pay off! We came around 5-6pm right where it was still lit but near sunset. There were still a decent amount of people there but no where near how I've seen videos and pictures of during the day. We were able to take photos in the front without anyone in the background. When we finally walked up to the orange shrine area, it was actually quite empty. It was getting a little darker when we were there but not dark enough for photos and we got totally empty photos with no one around at the bottom of the shrine area (I heard a lot of people usually have to walk higher up to avoid the crowds). Overall, I really liked this area. I didn't think it was mine blowing and figured it was kind of a tourist attraction. I think 2 hours here was enough and just to check off the list that I saw it. I loved coming at the time that we did to avoid the crowds. The entire area is super beautiful and public transport is really close by. We took two different train stations on the way there and a different one going back so there's plenty of options.

Beautiful shrine right off of the Inari station. Easy to get to by train. It's a beautiful shrine to hike if it was spring or summer. It goes in a circle and up the hill. We thought it was not going to be crowded here since it was raining hard but we were wrong! February is a cold time to come but still beautiful. The shrine is a sacred place but was well build back in the day. A great place to visit while in Kyoto. Make sure to stop by the market stand before heading out to get a souvenir. [21R,2024]

It is a beautiful place to visit. You just have to keep walking further up from the entrance if you don't want other tourists in your picture. Everyone makes the mistake to take a picture right at the entrance rather than continuing to walk. They have luggage lockers big enough to fit two carry on size bags at the entrance. There are a lot of things to see while you are here. We were so limited with our time but made the most of it.

On the path to the top in the mountain when you go right of the crossroads, there is a stand/shop run by two grandmas, and they are VERY RUDE! They are prejudice against foreigners and will smile as they take our money but then talk smack in japanese behind our backs! I went up to practice my very minimal japanese and tried to show them my translation of words I didn't know yet and one grandma shooed me away, she wouldn't even look at me as she kept repeating no in japanese and shooing me away with her hand. The other grandma looked at my phone as I was just trying to practice my japanese and make small talk I asked if they lived in these mountains or if they have to walk up here everyday to work, she looked at me disgruntled and then said "is that important?" in english and then muttered under her breath to the other grandma in japanese. I am assuming they are especially prejudice to people with tattoos but they are of old school very conservative and racist mindset. Please do not support this racist stand run by two grandmas! They are lucky I am respectful, otherwise I would have taken a photo of their stand and showed exactly which one to avoid!

This shrine is one of the top tourist attractions in Kyoto and there's always a crowd here. You can, but most people don't, walk the full 2 mile path up and down the torii gate lined path, and we only did 30 minutes worth (it was plenty) per our tour guide's direction. There's plenty of good opportunities here for photographers. There's also the somewhat typical commercial strip that leads up to the shrine and it's lined with street food eateries and souvenir shops.

it was sprinkling/ somewhat of a light rain, but asian rain is warm! did not need a jacket or sweater as it was kind of an upward hike up the temple and into the shrine gates. beautiful scriptures and writings onto the structures and i also could not help but noticed the wood and paint quality was excellent.

I went here twice while visiting Kyoto. First, the temple itself is interesting and very nice. Be sure to check out the little area off to the right as soon as you enter - there's thousands of colorful origami paper cranes. But what everyone wants to see here is the red gates. The gates line the path up the mountain and there's hundreds, maybe thousands of them. They are really beautiful! Of course, lots of other people also want to see the gates, so it can get a little crowded where they are. But the higher you go, the less crowded it becomes. Of course, you'll still have trouble getting a picture with nobody in it, but if you're mindful of who is around, you'll get a few shots at that, and that was my experience arriving at 1:45 in the afternoon. The other time I went was at 6 AM. There were a LOT fewer people there at that time of day. Definitely by 8, and probably by 7:30 it was starting to get pretty crowded. But being there that early, it was easier to get pictures with nobody in them. Given one hour at the shrine, you can make it high enough to reach a pond and come back, which I thought was nice. When you get to the pond, to the right there's some small, family shrines and if you go to the back, a bamboo forest. If you keep going up, you'll eventually get a decent view of Kyoto. A little past there, a slightly better view. At that point, the path splits and becomes a loop. This is as far as I got, but I know you can keep climbing up from there through more gates. Going that far up took me 2 hours round trip. This place was incredible. The gates just kind of pull you in and are beautiful and fascinating. I'd recommend coming here to anyone visiting Kyoto, especially if you can get here super early.

I've always wanted to visit this famous shrine in kyoto. I was so excited to have a 2nd chance to visit kyoto and walk the shrines. It was pouring when we arrived to kyoto and wanted to visit the shrines as soon as possible. It's about a 2 Mile hike with picture taking and snacking it will probably be more like 3 mile hike. There are many ways up to the top with the rain, I gave up. There were many stalls with food, snacks and souvenirs. But if you truly want to hike the whole thing go as early as possible and pack light. It does get tiring, caring, and lugging thi gs up the hill. The steps are spaced out to you end up making wide steps which ends up tiring short let individuals. There are not many rest stops so make sure to wear comfortable shoes and I would recommend to go earlier in the day like around 9 or 10 am. Once it's about 11 30 to noon it's super busy and you won't be able to take pictures. If you are here just to take the 100 shrine posts then don't bother walking up farther than the entrance. Maybe about 10 to 20 minutes past the washing of hands you will get to the famous orange shrines.

The feeling of climbing a mountain and a goshuin as proof. Completed the whole trip!

This was the shrine I wanted to see most while in Japan and I saved it as the last thing I did, on the last day in Japan before I flew home. It's VERY crowded, it's also very hot if you come in mid-May like I did. The sun is not forgiving and I would wear a hat, bring plenty of water, and use sunscreen. The hike is not long, but it is a solid uphill climb once you start - to get to the top of Mt. Inari. It's worth it - if only so you can see the beautiful Tori gates without all the crowds of people. Once I got about halfway up - there were only about 2-3 people passing me every several hundred yards. It really thins out. This may have been due to the heat, but it was nice. You can take some beautiful photos with no one in them and you will get gorgeous views of Kyoto from a vantage point about halfway up. The actual shrine and main buildings are at the bottom and are gorgeous but so crowded it was almost unbearable with both Japanese and other tourists as well as school children. There are several vendors and shops selling wares so you can shop down here and find some items as keepsakes and have some authentic, street-food snacks. This is a major Japanese tourist attraction as well as for visiting tourists so it's probably the most crowded thing I saw aside from Senso-Ji in Tokyo. Be prepared to deal with crowds and, when you first get to the tori gates, barely any room to walk because you are packed into the small, enclosed hallway of orange gates that everyone wants to see and take photos in which is one-way for a period of time. The gates continue ALL the way up and back down the mountain so take heart if you can't get any good pics just here, if you keep going for a while, trust me, you will be able to and it opens up much wider so you can walk freely with people coming and going both ways and plenty of room. There is also a great photo-op off to the right of the bathrooms at the first stop-off shrine you'll come to once you exit those first tight one-way gates. If you go down a small hillside and short path you'll see it. You can get some great shots there and there is a small bamboo forest you can walk around in for 10-15 minutes. There are small areas to stop and rest every so often on the way up and they have drink machines and some small shops with either snacks or local touristy items. There really isn't much at the top - shrine complexes (think concrete areas with candles and small wooden tori gates for prayer) but there are no more large buildings and there is no big payoff. The gates are what you came to see on the hike - or the scenic overlook of Kyoto mid-way up. The main shrine buildings are at the bottom. The mountain is open 24 hours a day which is neat - you can actually hike it whenever you want - but it would be really eerie at dark to me and they warn if you are going to do that to be careful on the steep, old stairs. Also, there are wild animals about which probably come out at night. The JR line will bring you directly in front of this site - it's across the street - if you take it from Kyoto station to the JR Inari station. You can't come to Kyoto and not see this place. It is the main shrine of the kami: Inari. It's cool and I'm so so so so glad I did the entire hike up and down. Be warned, there are A LOT of steps, some are old and uneven, some areas need repair, so if you are infirm or very out of shape, it will be difficult for you. If you are in decent shape and like to hike, run, walk, you need to do it. You're here and there are thousands or tori gates waiting for you.

OVERRATED!!! It is indeed a beautiful place but terribly overcrowded. Walking around in a sea of tourists. Too many people posing for the perfect Instagram shot holding up the lines to walk through the famous Tori gates. Be prepared for a one hour plus walk if you want to make it to the top of Mt.Inari and do the full 1000 gates. There are vending machines along the way for cold drinks but the price goes up as the elevation rises (for real). On the bright side the crowd (and BO) thin out as you go higher. Fell far short of IG and YouTube vlog hype.

Fushimi Inari Shrine is a MUST do while you're in Kyoto (or any of its neighboring cities). This was one of my travel goals and I was ecstatic when I finally trekked up to Gate 2... and then my body decided to fail me and made me stop mid-way to Gate 3... I wanted to see just how far I could go with my short legs... alas... all that meat eating the night before and the 6am ramen + the 90 degree weather was working against me. It's a beautiful Shrine, unforgettable and all those tori gates... will put your mind at ease. Stop and read them, feel the breeze and wander just a bit. Forever be in your memory. PS: Go Early!!! We got there around 9:30am (early Shinkansen from Osaka - only 15/20 min ride!) It gets really crowded after 11am with a billion tour groups!

I ain't gonna lie, it's a strenuous climb but I believe it was worth it. If you hike a lot, this should be fine for you. Go early, (7-8:30am), less people and not as hot. It goes in a loop and takes about 30-45 minutes from the bottom, depending on your pace.

The shrine and gates itself are amazing and enriched history, we unfortunately have to deal with all the new year crowds that we didn't get to enjoy taking pictures without being herded like cattle to keep moving. Such a.l famous site and I felt like we couldn't soak it in. Also we were on a guided tour with multiple stops and it felt like time went so quickly that by the time we got to what we needed to see we had to rush back to the bus with the hopes that they didn't leave us! So again this review isn't much about the site itself but more so the experience we had to endure! The crowds were crazy busy! The pathway before the actual shrine is a giant marketplace with food stalls that fill the air! The aroma of food will slow you down for sure, so keep money handy for some quick and unique bites! From grilled corn to different meat skewers and potato bites! So come hungry! You could spend quite some time here!

Amazing experience. We went on New Year's Eve (12/31/19), so it was quite busy. I didn't mind the crowd, because everyone's pretty respectful and considerate. Lots of street food walking up to the shrines, too many options to choose from. I wished I read more about the traditions and rituals. However, it a calming experience. A lot of prayers going on. It was neat to see the omikuji (fortunes). The wife didn't want one, just in case it wasn't a good one. Haha! Definitely a must see in Kyoto!

This is going to be a tips post based on other reviews and my personal experience. 1. Make time to see this place. It's easily in the top 5 things to see and do in Kyoto. 2. Bring water/buy water and do the whole thing (if you're physically able). I think it's like 2 miles to do the loop, but it felt like less. It's a lot of up hill, but the further up you go, the less people. It's easy easier to get those Instagram secluded shots with less people. 3. I went in the late afternoon and it was so much better. It was cooler in the afternoon and the shade helped out alot. 4. The crowds will pass and you'll have time to take great photos. 5. Dress for a hike, because it's basically a hike up a mountain. (Especially in the summer time when it's 90 degrees) I don't know how people do it in long sleeve shirts or long pants.

From the US to Italy to Croatia to Japan, this is one of the most breathtaking places I've visited. We made a special trip to Kyoto just to see Fushimi Inari and would highly recommend it if you're anywhere in the vicinity of Kyoto. We spent the better psrt of the morning exploring and walking around and even on a Wednesday it was busy and full of tourists, students and locals alike. It was slightly raining and misty but easy to navigate around and we even got some stellar pics of the tori gates with no one around! This place just had an aura of calmness and serenity that I can't even describe. I felt totally at peace walking up and down the mountain and steps and it was an unforgettable experience. When friends and family have asked what my favorite part of Japan was, Fushimi Inari is the first thing that comes to mind. Add this to your Must-Visit places in the world! Bonus; When you're finished checking out Fushimi Inari, there's a crazy number of street vendors and food available. Enjoy the local grub and walk around even more!

I guess this is another page for the same thing; the shrine of Fushimi Inari Taisha. I took the train and arrived just outside the JR Nara Station. That station is super unique because the walls and poles are literally copies of the Torii Gate. The shrine can also be reached in a short walk from Fushimi Inari Station along the Keihan Main Line. The hours are always open; 24 hours a day!! The admission is free!! Everyone I know debates about the color of the Torii gates being either red or orange. The actual color is vermillion! I took 3 hours to climb the 1,000 Torii gate shrine and fell in love with the very top. This was the most spiritual hike that I had thus far in Kyoto

Fushimi Inari Shrine is one of the most iconic places in all of Japan, and a must visit if you're anywhere near. You won't regret it. The 10,000 gates are no joke and they literally go on for miles. As such a worldwide destination, and because it's Japan, expect crowds at pretty much anytime of day, save maybe dawn, all year long. Still, you might be able to snap some shots sans people if you're patient and know how to use angles to your advantage. It also gets less crowded the farther up the mountain you climb, so if you're in it to reach the top, carve out half a day at least. Sadly, we didn't have that kind of time, but the cluster of gates near the foot of the mountain were enough to get the feel of the area. As you walk up to the gates, there's shops selling souvenirs and tons of street food stands. And, of course, you can walk to it all right from the train station.

I found myself wandering through the magical, ethereal world that I witnessed from the film "Memoirs of a Geisha" many years ago in this shrine. Fox statues and symbolism give respect to the ancestry of this prefecture, and thousands upon thousands of bright red and orange torii gates fill this shrine. It is a sight to see, truly, in it's indescribable glory. One of the most beautiful shrines I've ever been lucky to visit, in one of the most unique countries in the world. The Kyoto vibes are absolutely zen, and it makes one at peace with their soul. I could just retire here haha. Anyway, Fushimi Inari Taisha shrine is a bustling touristy shrine that has SO MANY TOURISTS from all over the world sprawling to walk under the torii gates. Inari also is the god of rice, by the way. The reason there are so many foxes here is because they symbolize messengers to Inari, back in the day. I remember hearing that the torii gates were donated by businesses and owners for good luck and respect. But it's very interesting because there's definitely over 10,000 gates now, and it's a respectable hike. Not too easy, either, for it may take hours to get through it all if you really want to venture onwards. Wear comfortable shoes, and keep casual. Lots of tea rooms and side vendors when you go up many torii gates; good for taking rest breaks. This is a MUST VISIT spot if you visit Japan, as it'll give you inspiration and tranquility on your vacation. Great for families, kids, and lovers. Next time I visit, I'm going to be wearing a full-out yukata hehe.

Like the bamboo forest, I wasn't too impressed with this place. We walked about 50 yards and it was the same scene so we took our pics and left. And just like the forest, you're dealing with a bunch of other tourists ruining your pics haha.

Fushimi Inari Shrine (10,000 gates) is gorgeous and a must visit while in Kyoto! The Shrine is one of the most iconic places in all of Japan (but a major tourist attraction so be prepared for lines and lots of people)! Despite this, it is a must visit! Plenty to see with the shrines, statues, ancient architecture. Many vendor shops as u climb up. Heading back dont forget to try out some street food . Trust me most of them r delicious.

When I visited Kyoto, I stayed in an Airbnb ~5 minutes walking from this landmark and there were ALWAYS tourists visiting no matter what time from 7am-11pm. It would be tough to get a photo with absolutely no one around. Very pretty site that I highly recommend people to check out. Getting through the entire thing shouldn't take longer than about 2 hours. There are rows after rows after rows of these.. red gates? There are also shrines and the chance to pray or make wishes. I bought a few good luck charms. Nearby, there are a ton of booths of people selling snacks at a higher rate than usual, but still good and nice to try.

This is a spot where all the tourists "must go" because it's unique in Kyoto. Maybe it was because it was very busy and packed here or maybe it's because I was too busy with finding a good spot to take pictures with my friends in kimonos and yukatas that I thought this shrine was okay. Don't get me wrong: I think you ought to visit this place no matter what when you're in Kyoto, but it isn't as magnificent or as cool as it look on IG in my opinion. It's just several thousands of orange gates that lead up to the top, which we didn't get to reach. We actually tried to go as far up as we can just to get away from the crowds, but there are always gonna be a few people here or there coming up. I suggest, as many others have mentioned, to come here early. It was beautiful when we went at sunset too but if you want to avoid crowds, early mornings will probably be better. If you wanna get that golden hour photo, then you'll just have to suck it up with the crowds haha. Overall, still a beautiful place to check out.

Fushimi Inari Shrine is gorgeous...truly special and breath taking and a must visit while in Kyoto! The Shrine is one of the most iconic places in all of Japan (but a major tourist attraction so be prepared for lines and lots of people)! Despite this, it is a must visit! It is known for its "10,000 gates" - they are highly recognizable - beautiful orange in color and aligned up and around the mountainside. They stretch for miles...and while we did not go all the way up to see them all, I would highly recommend spending the 2-3 hours and coming dressed for a hike and walking the beautiful, long track/circuit to see all 10,000 gates. Be prepared to take lots of photos (and to wait for others to take photos) and be ready to duck for all the selfie-sticks flying about. The shrine gets less crowded the farther up the mountain you climb, so if you're in it to reach the top, carve out a few hours. The good news is you can see enough in about 30-45 minutes and get a great feel for the hundreds of gates at the beginning of the climb that are old, historic and beautiful! A must visit...really one of a kind!

Hands down my favorite shrine. Fushimi Inari is dedicated to the god of rice and is known for its thousand of torii gates. Some tips: * Don't just go for the photo op. It gets really crowded for the first few meters because everyone is just trying to take a picture with the toriis and book it. Your pic is not going to be all that with a bunch of randos all around you. Keep on hiking, take in some of the experience, get your photo further up. * The hike up is about 4 kilometers, it can get a little steep but will not take you 2 hours like many of the guides say as long as you're in shape. * Open 24/7. I'm sure it'd be beautiful to go at night. We went in the afternoon and hiked/ran down as the sun was setting. There's just enough light to see where you're stepping. * FOOD. There are stalls right outside and we had some amazing Dango - skewered balls of glutinous rice over fire on our way in and on our way out (because they were amazing and we needed more). Plain and matcha were being sold when we were there. Overall, be respectful. This is a beautiful destination for tourists but it's also a shrine for locals. I'm obviously salty but, don't hold up the line for your group pics (feel free to insert an angry lady emoji here).

Definitely a must-do when visiting Kyoto. Easily accessible by train. The JR Line Inari station is just across the street from the entrance and the Keihan Main Line Fushimi Inari station is just a few blocks and easily walkable. There is no entrance fee here. The torii gates are incredible and seemingly endless. You'll have to walk through 10,000 torii to get to sacred Mount Inari. It's such an amazing experience - it's hard to describe in words. Make sure to wear comfortable shoes as it is quite a long trek - it spans for roughly 2.5 miles. You can stop at smaller shrines along the way. It took us roughly 2 hours, with tons of stopping along the way to take pictures and see the sights. There are bathrooms along the way, but bring hand sanitizer and or napkins because there is no hand soap and only very cold hand driers. The first part of the torii is pretty packed and moves very slowly, but as you get up, there will be less and less people. There are a few food and drink stops along the way. The shrine at the top is pretty amazing and large. IMPORTANT: When you are done with the shrine, make a right onto the main street (opposite direction from the JR station) and right before you hit the next block on the right side, STOP FOR KOBE BEEF SKEWERS on the street. This was one of the most amazing things I ate in Japan. Kobe beef was melt-in-your mouth delicious - and just the perfect snack after your hike!

This is a instagram models dream location for photo opportunities. You go up a long path all the way to the top of the mountain and as you go up there are a bunch of torri gates. I'd highly advise you get here early because this place is a highly popular tourist destination. The hike can easily take 2-3 hours. The shrine IS NOT stroller friendly.

Too many things to say about this place. If you are looking this up, you must already know some details. It is a shrine with tons of gates. It is a major tourist spot to expect crowds. Here are some tips to help you out. 1. Go early or late, its open 24/7. We got here about 7 AM and it wasn't crowded at all, by the time we left, about 11 AM it was packed. 2. Don't waste time taking pictures at the beginning. The gates are throughout the whole hike. Plenty of times and places to take pictures. If there is a crowd, once you get about half way, everyone stopps there. If you continue forward, it will be empty. 3. This is definitely a hike. Lots of up hill walks. Bring water and take your time. 4. Enjoy yourself. Take it in, crowds suck but don't let that bother you.

The Fushima-Inari Taisha Shrine was one of the most beautiful experiences I had in Kyoto. The shrine is filled with mystery, tradition, and, of course, tourists. I admit I'm not completely familiar with the shrine's history but I do know that it offers one of the most amazing views of Kyoto. There's no escalators so make sure to bring plenty of water and your walking shoes! Also, be sure to bring some bug spray because the shrine is practically in a forest. My experience was really great for several reasons- everyone was extremely respectful (even more so than regular Japan) and it started to rain as I approached the top of the mountain where I saw the sunlight just break through the clouds in the distance. If the weather's permitting, this is a must see if you're visiting Kyoto.

Fantastic place to visit and take a morning stroll around. This shrine is probably one of my favorites because of all the Torii gates built all around and passing under each one is significant to say the least. Although I'm not Shinto, it's still magnificent to see and witness history of this shrine and how locals worship when they visit. If you decide to visit, make sure to come early like 7am to best the tourist crowds because you'll never get a decent photo with tons of people crowding around you.