Best Time to Visit Fushimi Inari Taisha
Wondering about the best time to visit Fushimi Inari Taisha? Many first-time travelers grapple with questions like, “When is the least crowded time?” or “Is it worth visiting at night?”
This article is tailored for anyone looking to uncover the secrets of enjoying Fushimi Inari to the fullest. From the best seasons and hours to unique experiences like the hike to the summit, we’ve got it all covered. By reading, you’ll save time, avoid crowds, and gain tips to create unforgettable memories. Whether you’re seeking iconic photo spots or insights into the shrine’s history, this guide ensures you’re well-prepared. So, let’s dive into the enchanting world of Fushimi Inari and make your trip nothing short of magical.
Tips for the Best Time to Visit Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
When to visit Fushimi Inari Taisha shrine?
The best season to visit Fushimi Inari Taisha in my opinion is early summer, May to June. During the months of May and June, there are fewer tourists, and the weather and temperatures are very comfortable, making sightseeing at Fushimi Inari Taisha a pleasant experience.
Generally speaking, spring and fall are recommended. In spring, cherry blossoms are in full bloom, creating a beautiful contrast with the torii gate, and in fall, the autumn leaves turn the shrine grounds bright red and orange, attracting visitors. However, these are the times of the year when tourists tend to be very concentrated and the crowds can be quite tiresome.
Kyoto, being a basin, is hotter in summer and colder in winter than other parts of Japan. Sightseeing at Fushimi Inari Taisha requires at least one hour and up to two hours of walking. Many visitors have given up sightseeing halfway through the tour due to the heat and cold. So I recommend May through June, when you can avoid tourist crowds and enjoy a pleasant climate.
Why is Fushimi Inari so popular?
First of all, let me explain a little about why Fushimi Inari Taisha is so popular. Fushimi Inari Taisha is the headquarters of about 30,000 Inari shrines in Japan, and its grandeur and deep history are the reasons for its popularity. Particularly eye-catching is a series of red torii gates called “Senbon-torii,”(Thousand torii) which allow visitors to experience an extraordinary space as they pass through this mysterious tunnel.
These torii gates are donated when wishes are granted, and the greater the number of gates, the deeper the faith in the gods. The shrine also attracts many worshippers because of the wide range of benefits it offers, such as prosperous business, safety in the home, and traffic safety. The spectacular scenery and spiritual atmosphere of Fushimi Inari is well worth a visit. I have visited three times and no matter how many times I say it, the view of the thousand torii gates is still so beautiful and mesmerizing.
Is it better to go to Fushimi Inari in the morning or at night?
There are advantages to visiting Fushimi Inari Taisha both in the morning and at night. The morning is especially quiet and offers the chance to take pictures of the Senbon-Torii gateway in its entirety. Visiting the shrine in the fresh early morning air will get your day off to a great start. The sunrise seen on the way up the mountain is also a wonderful experience.
At night, on the other hand, the illuminated torii gates create a fantastic atmosphere, and you can enjoy a different face of Fushimi Inari than during the day. However, please note that the streets become darker later in the evening. Since the shrine is open 24 hours a day throughout the year, you can avoid the crowds if you time your visit accordingly.
What time to go to Fushimi Inari
The best time to go to Fushimi Inari is at 6:00 a.m. if you want to avoid the crowds and enjoy the beautiful view of the torii without people. Early in the morning there are fewer tourists, so you can visit the shrine quietly, and especially in summer, the cooler morning hours are more comfortable. Just after sunrise, the morning light shines through the Senbon-Torii, creating a fantastic sight.
Also, in the evening, the torii gates are beautifully silhouetted against the western sun. If you wish to visit in the evening, around 6:00 p.m. is recommended, as there are relatively few people at this time of the day, and you can enjoy a relaxing sightseeing tour. In addition, If you go at this time, you can experience both day and night at Fushimi Inari Taisha, which is recommended.
If you cannot make it in the evening, you may go at night; even if you go around 9:00 p.m., you will be able to enjoy the mystical atmosphere of the illuminated shrine as there are quite few people there. Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine is open for worship 24 hours a day, making it convenient to visit according to your own schedule.
Fushimi Inari sunrise
When watching the sunrise, please note that the sunrise is not at the summit of Fushimi Inari Taisha, but at a place called Yotsutsuji. It is located on a hillside about a 30-minute walk from the main hall of Fushimi Inari Taisha. It is known as a spot from which one can enjoy a panoramic view of Kyoto City, and is popular with many people. If you arrive at Fushimi Inari Taisha early in the morning at 6:00 a.m., you can visit the shrine in a quieter atmosphere with fewer tourists, and there is a good chance you will be able to take an exclusive photo of the Senbon-torii gate.
The soft morning sun shines through the torii as you walk through it, and the torii’s red glow is a spectacular sight. If you want to see the moment of sunrise at Yotsuji, you may want to calculate the 30 minutes required and start sightseeing a little earlier. The air at Fushimi Inari in the early morning is clear and cool, even in summer, making it easy to climb up the mountain. Also, an early morning visit is especially suitable for active travelers, as it provides a pleasant and energizing way to start the day.
Fushimi Inari at night
Fushimi Inari Taisha can be visited at night, when the torii gates are lit up, giving the shrine a different charm than during the day. Passing through the tunnel of 1,000 torii gates, the red torii gates float fantastically, creating a serene atmosphere. It is especially recommended to visit the shrine at night in summer to avoid the heat. Locals sometimes say that Fushimi Inari is a bit scary at night, but this may be the perfect choice for those seeking a more thrilling experience. Families and couples will also enjoy visiting.
However, there are a few things to keep in mind when visiting Fushimi Inari Taisha at night. At night, the trail is less well lit in some areas. Please be careful where you step. Fushimi Inari Taisha is also a place where animals and insects can be seen at night. As for animals, there have been reports of sightings of boars and monkeys, but when I visited at night, I only saw cats. It is also important to note that the toilets are closed.
There are other important points to note that you should know, and I recommend that you read “Fushimi Inari Taisha at Night & Safety Tips” if you want to learn more.
Fushimi Inari hike
The main hall of Fushimi Inari Taisha is on the ground, and behind the main hall is the foot of the mountain, from which the Senbon-torii gateway leads to the summit of the mountain. Fushimi Inari Taisha is also a popular hiking course that climbs to the top of Mt. The 4 km round-trip course is suitable for beginners, and the estimated climbing time is about 2 hours, and if you start early in the morning, you can descend the mountain in the morning.
There are many sights to see on the way to the summit. The Senbon-torii will surely remain in your memory forever. Also, the “Yotsutsuji” along the way offers a panoramic view of Kyoto city and is a popular spot for taking pictures.
There is also a small teahouse where you can take a rest and enjoy the view. There are two routes to the summit from Yotsutsuji, with a right route and a left route. It is possible to go around the mountain via the summit, so you will take both routes, but we recommend that you take the right route as it is less strenuous. The area around the summit is flat and the entire path is shaded by trees, making the climb relatively comfortable even in summer. When planning a hike, bring comfortable shoes and plenty of water.
Is Fushimi Inari a difficult walk?
The Fushimi Inari climbing route is moderately difficult and suitable for beginners and intermediate hikers. The route to the summit is lined with approximately 10,000 torii gates, and there are gentle stairs and flat paths along the way. This makes it possible for those who are not confident in their physical strength or those with small children to walk without difficulty. However, it is important to plan in advance because it takes about one hour one way or two hours round trip to ascend to the summit Ichinomine (mountaintop).
If you get tired, you may be satisfied enough to climb up to Yotsutsuji in the middle of the mountain for a panoramic view of Kyoto city, rest at a small teahouse, and descend the mountain. Drinks can be purchased from vending machines along the way, but the prices are high, so it is recommended that you bring your own water. Especially in summer, the temperature rises, so it is a good idea to take precautions against heat stroke.
Is it worth going to the top of Fushimi Inari?
One of the most common questions that travelers have when visiting Fushimi Inari Taisha is whether it is worth going to the top of the mountain. I have been to Fushimi Inari Taisha several times, but the first time I went, I climbed up to Yotsutsuji, which is on the side of the mountain, and descended the mountain. The reason was that I ate extremely delicious sweets at a rest stop teahouse and enjoyed the panoramic view of Kyoto city, which satisfied me both physically and mentally.
The next time I went there, I climbed up to the summit’s first peak. When I reached the top of the mountain, I was able to visit the shrine enshrined at the highest point. Climbing to the summit gives you a sense of accomplishment and is a memorable moment, especially for those interested in Japanese culture and Shintoism. What was also impressive was that the path from Yotsutsuji to the summit was dotted with countless torii gates and small shrines, which provided a slightly different mystical atmosphere from the larger torii gates such as the Senbon-torii.
However, a point to remember is that even if you go to the Ichinomine at the summit, you will not be able to see a panoramic view of the landscape. I would like to say that it is worth the trip to the summit of Fushimi Inari Taisha, but you will feel satisfied even if you descend at Yotsutsuji.
How long should you spend at Fushimi Inari?
If you want to go up to Yotsutsuji and turn back, you should estimate about 1 hour for the round trip. If you climb to the summit, Ichinomine, it will take about 2 hours round trip. In addition, if you aim for a time when there are fewer tourists, you can often make the round trip in a relatively short time if you visit early in the morning. On the other hand, the afternoon is crowded, so be sure to schedule your visit well in advance. If you include time for taking pictures, taking your time to enjoy the Senbon-Torii and having a light meal at a teahouse along the way, you can safely expect to spend another 30 minutes to one hour. It is worth taking your time, especially if you are a photography enthusiast.
How much does it cost to go to Fushimi Inari?
Visiting Fushimi Inari Taisha is FREE of charge. This is one of its major attractions compared to other famous tourist destinations in Kyoto. A drink or snack at a teahouse on the way up Mt. Inari is all you need to pay for, as well as souvenirs. Fushimi Inari is a very cost-effective tourist attraction where you can enjoy beautiful scenery for free.
Fushimi Inari shrine history
Fushimi Inari Taisha dates back to 711, and is known as the head shrine of the Inari faith. Originally built to worship the god of rice cultivation, the shrine is also widely believed to be the god of prosperous business and a good harvest. Its symbolic Senbon-torii is a tradition that has continued since the Edo period (1603-1868), and is due to the custom of believers donating the gates as a token of gratitude for the fulfillment of their wishes. It has also gained worldwide recognition through movies and media coverage. Every time you visit, you will be touched by Japan’s ancient traditions and deep culture, making it a must-see spot for history buffs.
Why does Fushimi Inari have so many gates?
The reason why Fushimi Inari has so many gates is because people donate money to the shrine as a token of gratitude for the fulfillment of their wishes. This culture of donation began in the Edo period and continues even today. In particular, companies and individuals wishing to prosper in business dedicate torii gates as a token of their gratitude for their success. The name of the donor is inscribed on the torii gate, and one can feel the story of each donor. In addition, the act of passing through the torii itself has a meaning of purification and is considered part of a sacred ceremony. The spectacular Senbon-Torii makes a strong impression on visitors and attracts many tourists as a symbol of Fushimi Inari.
How many stairs are there at Fushimi Inari?
There are a total of 1,276 steps leading up to the summit of Mount Inari at Fushimi Inari Taisha. The path to the summit alternates between gentle inclines and stairs, making it easy for even beginners to climb, but the entire walk takes about two hours, so it is important to wear good shoes and take breaks as needed. Along the way, there are rest stops such as “Yotsutsuji,” where you can enjoy the scenery. The process of going up and down the stairs itself is an extraordinary experience, and can be enjoyed as part of a visit to the shrine or as a sightseeing tour.
Is Fushimi Inari worth visiting?
Fushimi Inari Taisha is definitely worth visiting. The reason for this is that it is a unique experience that cannot be found anywhere else. The spectacular sight of Senbon-torii attracts travelers from all over the world and is a must-see for photography enthusiasts. Another major attraction is that it is free of charge and can be visited even early in the morning or at night. While walking along the approach, visitors can experience traditional Japanese culture and Shinto beliefs, and the sense of accomplishment gained from climbing Mt. Inari and the beautiful view from the mountain is exceptional. For history buffs and travelers seeking a special experience, this shrine will be unforgettable.
If you visit Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine, we strongly recommend that you also visit Kiyomizu Temple, Kinkakuji Temple, and Arashiyama. You may have heard of Kiyomizu-dera Temple and Arashiyama, two of Kyoto’s most famous tourist attractions. While these sights can be reached on foot and by train, it may be a bit impractical to travel there after a visit to Fushimi Inari Taisha because you will be so tried.
I recommend Bus Day Tour that takes you around Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine, Kiyomizu Temple, Kinkakuji Temple, and Arashiyama. You can recover your energy while riding the bus, so you can enjoy Kyoto to the fullest. The bus tours introduced here are highly rated by those who have used them, making them a popular standard tour.
Best Time to Visit Fushimi Inari Taisha: Key Takeaways
This article summarizes the key takeaways on the best time to visit Fushimi Inari Taisha. Whether you are visiting for the first time or just want to get more out of your visit, this article will help you be well prepared!
- Early summer is the best season
You can enjoy the contrast between the fresh greenery and the Senbon-Torii, fewer tourists, comfortable temperatures and a view in harmony with the beautiful nature of Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine. - Early morning or evening is recommended
The best time to avoid the crowds and enjoy the quiet time is early morning at 6:00 a.m. or evening 6:00p.m. The illumination of Senbon-torii at night is also mysterious and 9:00 p.m. is recommended. - Try to reach the summit
It is well worth the trip to the summit of Mount Inari! You can enjoy the spectacular view at the torii gate and observatory along the way. However, comfortable walking shoes and hydration are essential. Even beginners can climb the mountain, but keep in mind that it is a bit strenuous. - Rough estimate of time required
It takes about 2 hours for a round trip to the summit. If you just want to visit Yotsutsuji, it takes about 1 hour round trip. - Free sightseeing spots
There is no charge to visit the shrine. Please take into account the cost of transportation and good luck charms. It is a high-cost tourist attraction! - The power of the Senbon Torii
The moment you pass through the torii gates, you feel as if you have entered another world. It is also a great spot for photography enthusiasts. - Depth of history and culture
The shrine was founded in 711. It is a place where you can experience firsthand the Shinto culture of Japan and is recommended for history buffs.
Fushimi Inari Taisha is a special place where you can enjoy Japanese nature, culture, and history at the same time. A visit in early summer or early morning or evening can enhance the experience. Enjoy the mystical scenery of “Senbon-torii,”(Thousand torii) and the sense of accomplishment of reaching the top of the mountain to create the most memorable experience!
