![Japan Ep.10 - Kyoto : The Fox [ π¦] and the Key [ π] (Not an π¬π§ Pub π)](https://www.alojapan.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/1574590339_maxresdefault.jpg "Japan Ep.10 – Kyoto : The Fox [ π¦] and the Key [ π] (Not an π¬π§ Pub π)")
Today we are taking another day trip from Osaka to Kyoto; from Kyoto another short ride in a local train will deliver us to our final destination.
The time has come to visit the most iconic shrine in all Japan: the Fushimi Inari Taisha (δΌθ¦η¨²θ·ε€§η€Ύ).
And the reason to visit is not the shrine itself but the 1,000 Torii gates marking the 4 km / 2.5 mi of trails that climb 233 metres / 764 ft on the sacred Mount Inari.
Fushimi Inari is one of the oldest in Japan, being there before Kyoto has become the capital in 794 AD
Fushimi is the central shrine dedicated to Inari the Shinto kami of rice and agriculture, but also the patron of merchants and manufacturers. You can learn more in the section “Did you know?” At the end of this video.
The foxes, called “kitsune”, are thought to be Inari’s messengers and they are holding the key to the granary or a grain of rice in their mouth.
Renting amazingly beautiful kimonos for the visit at a Shrine, seems to be at its peak here at Fushimi Inari.
We are leaving the shrine to start our glorious journey between thousands of vermillion Torii gates on the sacred mount Inari.
We arrived mid-day on a Saturday; the crowds are at their peak but we hope the selfie obsession will subside and the flow will improve as we climb higher and higher.
This is the point called Senbon Torii, (“thousands of torii gates”) which has two parallel rows of very dense gates. For many, going one side and returning the other side represents the whole trip.
The Torii Gates are inscriptioned on the back side only, so you can guess if pictures are taken uphill or downhill.
If you are curious what is written, take your phone and use Google translate. In general you will find the donor’s name and the date of the donation.
Even the Ema plaques are different at Fushimi Inari: they have the form of a Fox head [π¦]
The black ink in the beautifully embossed carvings contrasting with the vermillion pole is marvellous.
In general, the Torii Gates are donated by businesses at costs between 400,000 and 1,000,000 Β₯ [ε] or $4,000 to $10,000.
We have reached the Shin-ike pond. This is the moment to pause and visit the necropolis and get immersed in the Shinto traditions.
A moment of reflection will enrich your Shinto experience.
We have reached the Yotsutsuji intersection, the midway point, where we can enjoy a traditional tea and beautiful views of Kyoto
Do not chicken out here! Keep on going.
Our Journey is now complete! We have reached the top of the sacred Mount Inari.
Make a wish, clap twice, bow… and the wish will be granted.
It is now the time to return.
Time for one more selfie in the rented kimono[π]
Yasaka Shrine, sometimes called Gion Shrine, is equally old and equally famous. It is a very popular spot during the “sakura” [ζ‘] or cherry blossom season and the Gion Matsuri Festival in July.
Gion is the famous Geisha district of Kyoto; unfortunately we never seen one here [π³]
Did you know?
The movie “Memoirs of a Geisha” was produced mostly in California but also on location at the Fushimi Inari Shrine
During the Japanese New Year (3 days) over 2.5 million worshipers are visiting the Fushimi Inari Shrine
Donating a Torii Gate started in the Edo period (1603 β 1868) asking the kami the favour of a wish becoming true.
The Inari Kami is VERY popular and has been re-enshrined in over 32,000 other sister Inari Shrines (εη€Ύ bunsha)
Yasaka (Gion) Shrine is 1350 years old and every July the Gion Matsuri festival is probably the most popular festival in Japan
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