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Read the English + Japanese version｜英語＋日本語版はこちら
Introduction｜はじめに
A path of vermilion torii gates
stretches into the forest.
One of Kyoto’s most memorable sights.
Fushimi Inari Taisha is the head shrine
of Inari shrines throughout Japan.
Its history dates back to 711.
But why are there so many torii gates?
And whose names are written
on their pillars?
Why So Many Torii Gates?｜なぜ鳥居がこんなに多いの？
According to shrine tradition,
Inari Okami was enshrined
on Mount Inari in 711.
Over the centuries,
Inari worship spread across Japan.
People prayed for good harvests,
prosperity in business
and peaceful lives.
During the Edo period,
the custom of dedicating torii gates
became increasingly widespread.
One gate after another
was offered by worshippers.
Over time, these offerings helped create
the remarkable paths seen today.
Names on the Gates｜鳥居に刻まれた名前
Look closely at the torii pillars.
Many have names and dates
written in black.
These inscriptions record
the people and organizations
who dedicated the gates,
along with the dates of dedication.
■ Memo｜Names and Dates on the Gates
Not every torii gate is ancient.
Some have been replaced,
while others were dedicated
in more recent years.
The dates on the pillars
show that this tradition
continues today.
The names alone cannot tell us
every person’s story.
But they offer a glimpse
of the prayers and gratitude
passed down through generations.
what other discoveries
are waiting at Fushimi Inari?
The Foxes of Inari｜お狐さんがくわえているもの
Fox statues can be found
throughout Fushimi Inari Taisha.
They are regarded as messengers
of Inari Okami.
Look closely at their mouths.
Some hold rice stalks,
while others carry keys,
jewels or scrolls.
Rice stalks represent harvests,
while keys are associated
with rice storehouses.
The other objects also have
traditional symbolic meanings.
■ Memo｜Are Foxes the Deities?
Foxes are not Inari Okami themselves.
They are considered
the deity’s sacred messengers.
Omokaru Stones｜おもかる石に願いを込めて
Near the famous Senbon Torii
is the Okusha Worship Hall.
Here, visitors can find
the Omokaru Stones.
First, make a wish.
Then imagine how heavy
the stone might be
before lifting it.
If it feels lighter than expected,
the wish is traditionally said
to be more likely to come true.
If it feels heavier,
fulfillment may be difficult.
It is a small tradition
that invites visitors
to reflect on their wishes.
Walking Mount Inari｜稲荷山を歩く
Fushimi Inari Taisha extends
far beyond the famous torii gates.
Mount Inari has many smaller shrines,
sacred sites and forest paths.
Walking the mountain
to visit its sacred sites
is known as Oyama-suru.
From viewpoints along the way,
visitors can enjoy views
over the city of Kyoto.
The scenery offers a different side
of Fushimi Inari.
■ Photo Tip｜Views from Mount Inari
Try including the city and sky
in one wide composition.
The view can change beautifully
with the weather and light.
🐾 CAT MEMO
“Thank you, as always.” ⛩️ 🐾
🗺 Google Map
Official Website｜伏見稲荷大社 公式ホームページ
Please check the official website for the latest information before your visit.
Fushimi Inari Taisha is more than
its famous vermilion torii gates.
The names on the pillars tell a story
of prayers and gratitude
passed down through generations.
The fox statues, Omokaru Stones
and paths of Mount Inari
each offer something different
to discover.
Beyond these, visitors can also discover
sacred stone monuments called Otsuka
and many smaller shrines
along Mount Inari.
Perhaps knowing these stories
will make your walk through Fushimi Inari
a little more memorable.
Thank you
for visiting
Fushimi Inari Taisha.
May your time here
bring you peace
and beautiful memories.
And may your journey
through Kyoto
be a wonderful one. 🐾
🗺 Explore More Kyoto Areas
Kyoto is divided into several unique areas,
each offering different attractions and experiences.
