Fushimi Inari Shrine
The bright vermilion Torii gates of Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto are a unique place among the old Japanese capital’s many temples, shrines, and other sites. They are beloved by Japanese as the most important of numerous Inari shires around Japan and by foreigners for the serene atmosphere they create. Thousands of these torii gates line trails which lead into the wooded forest of the sacred Mount Inari, rising 233 meters above Kyoto.
Most visitors take about 2 hours hiking up and back which leaves some time for photographing the alluring gates. There are other shrines periodically situated along the way as well as those at the top and bottom of the hill. To avoid crowds go early in the morning. Morning and late afternoon are the best times to catch the gates glowing in nice light.
