Fushimi Inari Taisha
May 10, 2005
It’s been awhile since my last day trip alone and seeing how on my lovely 4 day weekend I had no plans, well, yeah.
Yesterday I went to Fushimi Inari taisha in Kyoto for a nice stroll through countless torii gates and the chances to see countless statues of foxes. Inari is the god of harvests (or something like that) and is worshipped in hopes of bringing bountiful rice harvests and what not. Foxes, as crafty and cunning as they are believed to be, are the messengers of Inari and are thus honored with the statues. I always thought the torii gates symbolized the entrance into a sacred ground (ie. a temple) but I’m not too sure what a walkway with so many torii is supposed to mean.
The place is essentially one big cemetery behind a temple. Upon reaching the main temple at the foot of a small mountain, you’ll be greeted by the assortment of stores that sell shitty souvenirs. Skip it and go behind up the path in the forest. You’ll notice the torii gates right away. It was interesting that behind each torii gate was marked the sponsor who donated money for the gate. It was very commercial for a very traditional and sacred place.
The path leads up the mountain to various other shrines and loops around. It’s supposed to run for about 4km but it sure didn’t feel that long. I went early in the morning and there were times where I heard nothing but my footsteps and birds chirping. It was quite relaxing. There are also many tombs and altars where people place statues of foxes and small torii gates to honor the dead.
Placed strategically throughout the paths are resting stations – stores that sell more souvenirs and more importantly, drinks and snacks. Most weren’t open when I went dammit.
All in all a very nice place to get away from the noises of the city and to see some interesting sights.
Directions:
Fushimi Inari station is accessible by either JR Nara line from Kyoto station or the Keihan line. From where I live, it’s much faster through the Keihan – just get to Kitahama station in Osaka and take one of the express trains on the Keihan until you get to Fushimi Inari station. Transportation will be about 390 yen one way on the Keihan plus whatever you need to get there.
Admission:
Admission to the shrines are free!
October 6th, 2008 at 00:10
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