Senbon Torii
A tunnel of gates.
Jung Van — CC BY 3.0 · Raita Futo from Tokyo, Japan — CC BY 2.0 · Guilhem Vellut from Annecy, France — CC BY 2.0 · Chi King — CC BY 2.0 · Chris Gladis from Kyoto, Japan — CC BY 2.0 · Jean-Pierre Dalbéra from Paris, France — CC BY 2.0 · nobu3withfoxy from Iga,Mie, Japan — CC BY 2.0 · Rachelle Haun — CC BY 2.0
The head shrine of Inari, in Shinto belief the kami of rice and agriculture, whom merchants also worship as the patron of business. It stands at the foot of Mount Inari (233 metres) in Fushimi, and sources say it was formally founded in 711 by the Hata clan. It is famous for its thousands of orange torii gates, some 10,000 in all, each donated by a Japanese business or merchant whose name is written on its post. About 800 of them stand close together in two rows called Senbon Torii («a thousand gates»), like an unbroken orange tunnel. The paths through the gates climb to the summit past many small shrines and stone foxes, Inari's messengers; the trail runs about 4 kilometres and takes around two hours to climb. Many visitors stop halfway, where there is a view over Kyoto. Entry is free and the shrine never closes, so early morning or evening is calmer than the daytime crowds. Inari Station on the JR Nara Line is near the entrance. The path climbs with many steps, so comfortable shoes and water are essential.
A tunnel of gates.
4 km to the summit.
Inari's messengers.
Fushimi, southeast Kyoto
The trail runs about 4 kilometres and takes around two hours to climb; many visitors stop halfway at the view over Kyoto. Entry is free and the shrine never closes.