Japan/Honshu: Kyoto – Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine (Revisited)

Fushimi Inari is a truly incredible site – the shrine consists of a temple and several pathways to the top of the mountain to the elevation of 233m (764 ft), all under red torri (arches). The shrine was founded in 711 AD, and is dedicated to Inari, the Shinto god of rice and prosperity. It’s a nice hike and a lot of stairs to climb and descend. The shrine is a patron of business and each of the arches is donated by various business and institutions. The custom to donate a torii began during 1600s in gratitude for a wish that came true, with successive gates being added up to the present day by mostly business donors. There are over 10,000 torii, bright red and almost glowing. Another symbol of the shrine is the fox, and many fox statues aka kitsune adorn the pathways along the mountain. Foxes are considered messengers, and many hold a rolled message in their mouths. This is the most iconic and most visited shrine in Japan.
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