There are so many reasons to love Kyoto and the beautiful grounds of Fushimi Inari Taisha is definitely one of them.
Hundreds of vermilion torii gates form a tunnel which winds through a lush forest, the wooden posts are artfully adorned with kanji characters, the mini carpets of moss grow at the base of everything, centuries-old lanterns dangle along the way, the bright orange of torii contrasts with rich green of the forest, the intricately woven spider webs catch the sunbeams, statues of sly-looking foxes (kitsune) stand on guard and ward off evil spirits… atmosphere is tranquil and totally enchanting.
Fushimi Inari Taisha or Shrine is the shrine dedicated to Inari, the Shinto god of rice, sake and business prosperity. Each gate has been donated by a company or organization giving thanks for their prosperity and in hope of good fortune in the future.
We traversed an endless tunnel of repetitive lines and shapes as sunlight flashed through the cracks. Delicate and varying shades of reds, roses, pinks, and oranges passed by on both sides. The trail is seemingly endless dotted with shrines, cedar and bamboo forests, and little waterfalls along the way. If you hike all the way to the top, you will be rewarded with a beautiful aerial view of Kyoto. It is definitely a place not to be missed when visiting Kyoto.
