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Japan > Places & Sights > Kyoto > Kyoto - Southern Part > Fushimi-Inari Shrine
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Torii-lined pathway |
The Shintoistic Fushimi-Inari Taisha Shrine is the head shrine for over 30'000 Inari shrines all over Japan, and one of the countries most popular.
The Fushimi-Inari Taisha Shrine was founded in the 8th century by the Hata familiy and dedicated to the gods of rice and sake. Over time, other gods were included to ensure prosperity in business. The main god of the shrine is Inari, god of cereals. Its messenger is the fox, therefore stone foxes are spread all over the place. A key in the mouth of a fox is the key to the granary. Of course, you will have ample possibilities to buy small foxes to place at shrines as messenger for your wishes, or as a souvenir to take home.
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Messengers of Inari |
In fact, the Fushimi-Inari Taisha Shrine is not so much one shrine, but apart from the main prayer hall consists of thousands of middle-sized, small and tiny shrines, spreading over the wooded slopes of Mt. Inari. The pathways linking these shrines are lined by thousands of torii, sometimes standing so close together that they form a tunnel. Mostly, torii are made of wood and painted red, with some older ones made of stone. These pathways make for a lovely stroll. There are some tea houses offering drinks, snacks, and miniature torii to write your wishes for your preferred deity.
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Small shrine in the woods |
There is a version of sushi that is called Inari-Zushi. Inari-Zushi is fried tofu skins wrapped around sweetened sushi rice with cucumber and shiitake mushroom - commonly believed to be the foxes favourite food.
There are many ceremonies and festivals. Some are:
1 April: starting at 11 am, flower arrangements are
displayed.
8 April: the Sangyo-sai Festival with offerings
and dances ensures prosperity for the national industry.