Thousands of vermilion torii gates climbing a mountain, and the shrine is open all night. The bottom stretch is a crush of people, but almost nobody walks the full four kilometre loop to the summit, so twenty minutes uphill buys you the corridor to yourself. Go at dawn or after dinner.
Quick facts
- Built
- 711 AD
- Status
- Important Cultural Property
- Style
- nagare-zukuri
Before you go
- Shoulders and knees covered. Wraps are usually available at the entrance.
- Check current opening hours before travelling: sections close for restoration and ceremonies.
- This is a working place of worship before it is a sight. Quiet voices, no flash during prayer.
Facts checked against the Wikipedia entry for Fushimi Inari-taisha and Wikidata. Practicalities are general good practice, not a substitute for the temple's own notices.