Fushimi Inari Taisha (Kyoto Day Trip)

16/06/2025

4.8 / 5

Explore Fushimi Inari Taisha, a stunning Shinto shrine in Kyoto, famous for its thousands of vermillion torii gates. Discover travel tips, ticket prices, and what to expect on your visit.

Fushimi Inari Taisha is one of Japan's most iconic Shinto shrines, located just a short train ride from Osaka in the beautiful city of Kyoto. Known for its thousands of vibrant red torii gates, this sacred site attracts millions of visitors each year. Whether you're a history buff, a nature lover, or simply looking for a unique experience, Fushimi Inari Taisha has something for everyone.

Getting There

Fushimi Inari Taisha is easily accessible from Osaka. Here’s how you can get there:

  • By Train: Take the JR Nara Line from Osaka Station to Inari Station, which takes about 30 minutes.
  • By Subway: You can also take the Keihan Main Line from Yodoyabashi Station to Fushimi Inari Station, which is just a short walk from the shrine.

What to Expect

Upon arrival, you will be greeted by the stunning entrance gate, or torii, which marks the start of your journey through the shrine. Here are some highlights:

  • Torii Gates: The main attraction is the thousands of torii gates that create a mesmerizing path up the mountain. Each gate is donated by individuals or businesses, and you can see the names of the donors inscribed on them.
  • Hiking Trails: The trails lead up to the sacred Mount Inari, offering breathtaking views of Kyoto. The hike to the summit takes about 2 hours, but you can turn back at any point.
  • Fox Statues: Foxes are considered the messengers of Inari, and you’ll find many fox statues throughout the shrine, often holding a key in their mouths.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Fushimi Inari Taisha is early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the crowds. The shrine is open 24 hours a day, and visiting during sunrise or sunset can provide a magical experience.

Ticket Prices

There is no admission fee to enter Fushimi Inari Taisha, making it an affordable option for travelers. However, if you wish to participate in special rituals or purchase offerings, prices may vary.

Tips for Your Visit

  • Wear comfortable shoes, as you will be walking and hiking.
  • Bring water and snacks, especially if you plan to hike to the summit.
  • Consider visiting on a weekday to avoid large crowds.
  • Don’t forget your camera! The vibrant colors and stunning scenery are perfect for photography.

Fushimi Inari Taisha is not just a shrine; it’s an experience that offers a glimpse into Japan's rich cultural heritage. Whether you're on a day trip from Osaka or exploring Kyoto, make sure to include this breathtaking site in your itinerary!

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User Reviews

Cody P

5/5

If there’s only one thing you do when visiting Kyoto, it’s this. And every other tourist knows it. We came here around 7:30AM and the crowds were reasonable, though if you want crowd-free photos think more like 5 - 6AM. There are more tourists at the start, but the further up you go the less and less tourists you’ll see. To go to the very top takes a few hours, and make sure you have good shoes on and some water for hydration. There are little shops and cafes that dot the paths and offer rest. There are also tons of other smaller shrines and altars sprinkled throughout. I read that there’s over 10,000 torii gates here and I believe it. I couldn’t get over the beauty of this place, and the striking colors of the red torii gates and the green of the forest was absolutely beautiful and serene. As we came back down around 11AM, we were thankful that we started early, because there were now TONS of tourists. The shops were fun to browse after a long hike through this spectacular shrine.

Susan Marsh

5/5

Super busy place; go in the evening! Take mosquito repellent! It was dark by the time we left and I had the trail to myself. Which allowed me to soak up the ambiance of the shrines. Slow down and enjoy nature while you are there. We saw ravens, snakes, cats, other birds, and heard the hogs. The hike is rough and don't let anyone tell you differently!

Fernanda Lage

5/5

It’s definitely a worthwhile experience, especially if you hike all the way to the top of the mountain. That’s when you truly immerse yourself in the experience, connect with nature, and feel the meditative atmosphere and purpose of the shrine. If you don’t go all the way up, you end up stuck in the more touristy area, crowded with people, making it harder to connect. The hike is a bit challenging, taking around 40 minutes to 1.5 hours, but it’s absolutely worth it for the full experience. On the way back, I even stopped halfway at a viewpoint, lay down on the rocks soaking up the sun for about 40 minutes, and it was amazing—I almost took a nap.

Average Rating: ⭐ 4.8/5

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