Fushimi Inari: Thousands of Torii Gates Up the Mountain

Our October 2025 visit to Fushimi Inari, with current visitor information and practical planning tips.

Our visit

We reached Fushimi Inari after returning from Nara. The route begins in a busy shrine complex and continues into tunnels of orange torii gates.

Completing the full climb is not necessary to understand the place. The crowds thinned as we climbed, although fatigue from a long day also became noticeable.

What to know

This is the head shrine of Inari shrines across Japan. Thousands of gates were donated by individuals and businesses, and the mountain paths remain open around the clock.

Planning the visit

Arrive early or toward evening and decide how far you intend to climb. Parts of the trail are dark and quiet after sunset, so wear proper shoes and take care.

For a wider route beyond the cities, compare transport and car-rental options in advance and decide what the itinerary actually requires.