The Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto is one of many important shinto shrines. It is famous for the thousands of vermillion torii gates, with trails leading to the sacred Mt. Inari, which stands at 233 meters. Fushimi Inari is the most important of the Inari shrines, which are dedicated to the Shinto god of rice. Foxes are thought to be Inari's messengers.
Everything I read or heard about this place was that it would be very crowded. I arrived early to try to avoid the crowds as much as possible. There were some people at the entrance area, but fewer as I climbed higher. By the time I came down, tour buses and many tourists were arriving, so my timing was good.
Monkeys are dangerous.
I stopped because I knew it was a long walk up.
There were a lot of side paths where there are little (what I think are) family monuments.
Luckily, I didn't see any boars or monkeys.
At a cross road in the trail, there was a view of the city and a little restaurant area. After that, more steps. There were very few people after this area.
When I got here, I thought it must be the top, but it wasn't! More steps...
There were some elderly people in the Sannomine area who were changing out the old fox bibs for new ones.
I made it to the top!
Going down.
I'm really glad I was able to make this visit.
