Fushimi Inari Taisha at Night & Safety Tips
Are you wondering what it’s like to visit Fushimi Inari Taisha at Night? You might be excited but also a little uncertain about what to expect or how safe it is after dark. If you’ve never experienced an evening visit to this iconic shrine, this article is here to guide you.
We’ll cover everything from safety tips to what makes this historic shrine even more magical at night. By reading this, you’ll get useful information on how to enjoy Fushimi Inari Taisha at Night safely and fully, while also discovering the quiet, mysterious charm that comes after sunset. It’s the perfect read for anyone planning their first nighttime adventure to one of Kyoto’s most famous sites!
Fushimi Inari Taisha at Night
Is Fushimi Inari open at night?
Fushimi Inari Taisha is open 24 hours a day and can be visited freely even at night. Unlike many other shrines, this feature is a major attraction, especially for visitors from overseas. At night, there are fewer people and you can enjoy sightseeing in a quiet atmosphere, which is a different experience from that during the daytime.
When I visited, Fushimi Inari at night was fantastic. The moonlight and lanterns illuminating the approach to the shrine make the torii gate look even more beautiful. The moonlight and the light from the lanterns make the stairs visible, so it is possible to walk on them, but be aware that in some places the light does not shine in and your feet are dark.
Also, be careful about the time of access. Trains stop running at midnight, so if you are visiting at night, check your return transportation in advance. When traveling on foot or by cab, it is important to plan ahead and be safe.
Is Fushimi Inari better at night or day?
It is difficult to choose between night and day because both are very attractive. During the day, the bright red torii gate stands out against the blue sky, and visitors can enjoy the bustling atmosphere. At night, on the other hand, the atmosphere is quiet and mystical, offering a moment of calm and tranquility.
When I visited at night, there were few people and I enjoyed a quiet stroll. Especially when you pass through the “Senbon-torii,” you get a strange feeling as if time has stopped. The torii gate was slightly illuminated by moonlight and lanterns, giving it a different look than during the day.
If you are not sure which one to choose, I recommend visiting around 6:00 p.m. to see both day and night. It is a luxurious use of time to be able to savor two different experiences in one place.
What is the significance of Fushimi Inari Taisha at night?
Fushimi Inari has a special charm at night. It is the mystical atmosphere you experience in the silence. The soft light from the lanterns lining the approach to the shrine illuminates the red torii gate in a magical way. This scene makes you feel as if you have wandered into an old Japanese tale.
Furthermore, since there are fewer tourists at night, the area is not crowded during the day. This is the perfect time for those who want to enjoy a leisurely stroll and take their time taking pictures. However, since the mountain paths tend to be dark at night, it is important to check in advance the area that can be explored.
In particular, the night view of Kyoto from the viewing spot at Yotsutsuji on the way to the temple is not to be missed. The twinkling lights of the city, combined with the serenity of the mountains, make for a special memory. I was so impressed by the night view that I could not leave the spot for a while.
What time to go to Fushimi Inari Taisha at Night?
If you want to experience Fushimi Inari by day and by night, the best time to visit is at 6:00 PM (sunset). At this time of day, there may still be a few tourists, but most of them are leaving for dinner, so the number of visitors gradually decreases and you can enjoy a quiet stroll. It is especially recommended during the summer months, when it is comfortable and cool after sunset.
For those who wish to visit Fushimi Inari Taisha after the sun has completely set, 9:00 p.m. is recommended. At this time of the day, there are almost no tourists, so you can experience the serenity and mysterious atmosphere. If you go to Ichinomine at the top of the mountain, it will take about two hours and you will probably return at 11 p.m. At that time, trains are still running, so you can avoid spending the night at Fushimi Inari Taisha.
When I visited, Fushimi Inari was very impressive in the evening and at night. Praying at the foot of the mountain at dusk and walking through the “Senbon-torii” after dark, the scenery was fantastic and completely different from that during the day. Also, some people may get a little tired of walking and need to take a break, so if you are aiming for the top of the mountain, it is best to plan ahead and allow plenty of time for your visit.
Some areas of the approach road become quite dark late at night, so use the light on your phone for safety. Be sure to check that your phone has a full charge before you leave.
Is Fushimi Inari lit up at night
Yes, some of the approaches and torii gates are lit up at night. In particular, the area near the entrance and the first section of “Senbon-torii” are fantastically illuminated by the light of lanterns. Thanks to this lighting, Fushimi Inari at night is a great photo opportunity.The illuminated area makes the red torii gate stand out even more, and is especially popular with tourists from overseas. Please experience the special atmosphere that can only be found at Fushimi Inari at night.
However, since the hillside and summit areas are not lit up, you will be walking in the dark. so I used the light from my phone.
Is it safe to visit Fushimi Inari at night?
In conclusion, it is not completely safe to visit Fushimi Inari Taisha at night, but it is not enough to stop sightseeing. If you are aware of some of the precautions I will introduce hereafter, you can basically visit Fushimi Inari Taisha safely, so please check them out.
Darkness
Since many of the approach roads become dark at night, it is better to prepare a smartphone light to ensure visibility. No problem as long as you pay attention. But in case, if you get injured or break a bone, you need to interrupt your sightseeing tour. If you break a leg at the summit, you will have to return the way you climbed for an hour. It is frightening to imagine.
Wild Animal
As you make your way through the Senbon-torii gate of Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine, you will probably see a sign that reads “Beware of Wild Boars and Monkeys. Most people (myself included) don’t take these signs too seriously. However, it is said that there is about a 25% chance of encountering wild animals at Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine at night. In fact, I was one of those who saw wild animals and witnessed a wild boar. The child boars look cute, but there is always a mother boar nearby. If you take a picture of them with your phone, they think you are threatening them and attack. They are ferocious animals that can run at 45 km/h and jump as high as 120 cm. Some tourists have been bitten on the fingers, so be sure to stay away from them.
Cold Weather
The summit of Fushimi Inari Taisha is about 233 meters above sea level. Since you will be walking in the mountains, it will be even colder than usual. Remember to bring an extra layer of clothing to protect you from the cold.
Toilet
Restrooms at Fushimi Inari Taisha are not available at night. The temperature is a little lower than usual, especially since you will be walking in the mountains, so the possibility of needing to use the restroom increases. If you need to go to the restroom on the way, you will have no choice but to turn back. I recommend that you should go to the restroom before going to Fushimi Inari Taisha.
Get Lost
The Senbon-torii (Thousand torii gates) at Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine are very beautiful and fantastic, but at night you cannot see the surrounding scenery, so you feel like you are walking down the same path past endless torii gates. This is a very magical experience and the charm of Fushimi Inari Taisha at night, but if you are too distracted, you may make a wrong turn and get lost. The area where the most accidents occur is at Yotsutsuji, an intersection of four roads, all with similar torii (gateways), so it is easy to lose track of which way you came from. When you arrive at Yotsutsuji, be sure to check which road you came from.
Going with a group
When I went to Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine at night, I did not feel that much fear because there were actually a few tourists here and there. However, as I approached the summit, the number of people gradually decreased, and there were no peoples at all in some places. So if you go there alone, you might think you have gotten lost. If you want to ease the darkness, fear, wildlife, etc., I recommend visiting Fushimi Inari Taisha at night with more than one person. If you want to reduce the risk of being attacked by wild animals, it is better to have more than one person in the group than to be alone.
Taking a Night Tour
Some visitors to Kyoto may be traveling alone from overseas. For such people, it is recommended to join a night tour. With a tour, you will be with an experienced guide, so the risk of getting lost will be eliminated. On these tours, local guides will lead you along the approach to Fushimi Inari at night while introducing the history and culture of Fushimi Inari in English, so first-time visitors can feel at ease. In particular, having a guide will enhance your stroll by allowing you to learn about anecdotes and spots that you may not have known about. In addition, having more than one person makes you feel more secure. I visited Fushimi Inari at night on my own, but I would have enjoyed it more deeply with a tour. When looking for a tour, it is best to use a reliable travel agency or an online platform with good reviews. They all cost the same, about $40 per person, but as far as I know, Tripadvisor’s night tours are the highest rated. It is worth checking out as it is a small price to pay for a safe night tour of Fushimi Inari Taisha without the risk of getting lost.
Fushimi Inari taisha at night real review
Visiting Fushimi Inari Taisha shrine at night is a special experience, as it offers a completely different atmosphere from the bustling daytime sightseeing. I visited one autumn evening with the intention of exploring Kyoto at night in a quiet atmosphere. I will tell you more about that experience.
On the way from the JR Inari station
From JR Inari Station to Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine is only 1 minute walk. Once the sun sets, many of the stores along the approach to the shrine close their doors, so the area is quiet and peaceful, a far cry from the bustling daytime atmosphere. I arrived at 6:00 p.m. and found the place sparsely populated, giving me the feeling as if my own special time was about to begin. The stone pavements along the approach to the temple are illuminated, so this area had a lot of lights and was easy to walk around.
Senbon-torii at night
Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine is famous for its Senbon-torii, or “thousand torii” gates. Unlike when you visit during the daytime, the torii gates are illuminated by lights at night, creating a fantastic atmosphere. In particular, the way the red color of the torii gate reflected in the lights was somehow mysterious and hauntingly beautiful.
As I made my way through the torii gate, I saw fewer and fewer people and experienced a quiet moment with only the sound of my footsteps echoing. In this darkness, the view that emerged each time I passed through a torii gate had a sense of tension and mystery that I could not experience in everyday life. However, there were areas along the way where there was little or no lighting, and I had to walk along a pitch-dark path.
Scenic view point: Yotsutsuji
On the way, we took a break at a viewing spot called Yotsutsuji. The night view of Kyoto city from here is so beautiful that it made me forget my fatigue. The lights of the city spreading across the night sky gave us an impression that we could not experience from the daytime view.
I wondered if I should go to the summit, but I knew that even if I went to the top, I would not be able to see a spectacular view over Kyoto City, so I turned back here.
Many visitors to Fushimi Inari Taisha make it their goal to challenge themselves to the summit of Mount Inari. Although the trail is relatively well maintained, visibility is poor at night and requires stamina and caution. It takes another 30 minutes to reach the summit, but if you have time to spare, give it a try.
The cat I met on the way was very cute.
Key Points : Visiting Fushimi Inari Taisha at Night
Fushimi Inari Taisha at night offers a unique experience that’s different from the daytime crowds. Here’s everything you need to know before visiting:
- Opening Hours: The shrine is open 24/7, so you can visit anytime. However, at night, you’ll experience the peacefulness of the site without the daytime rush.
- Safety: Fushimi Inari is generally safe at night, though it’s advisable to stay on the well-lit main paths. Some areas may feel isolated, so be cautious if you’re visiting alone.
- The Ambiance: The torii gates look especially beautiful under the night sky, bathed in soft light. The serene atmosphere is perfect for those seeking a quiet, reflective experience away from the crowds.
- Best Time to Visit: Arriving just before sunset is ideal. You’ll get to enjoy the last bit of daylight transitioning into the peaceful night atmosphere.
- Night Tours: Some tours are available that provide a guided experience of the shrine at night, offering insights into its history and significance.
- Accessibility: Just 1 minute by walk from Fushimi Inari Station. Be sure to check the last train times if you’re visiting late.
- Photography: If you’re into photography, bring a tripod. Some areas are dimly lit, and long exposure shots can help you capture the glowing torii gates and the tranquil night scene.
What I felt when I visited Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine at night was the luxury of experiencing something “out of the ordinary. I was able to have time to face myself as I passed through the torii gate in the silence. I also felt a sense of being a small part of a historic shrine, which was a heart-warming experience.
I especially recommend taking a break at Yotsuji, a night view spot. Here, you can spend precious time to forget the hustle and bustle of the city and face nature. For photography enthusiasts, it is also a great opportunity to take beautiful pictures with the torii gate and shrine pavilions in the background.
In summary, Fushimi Inari Taisha at night offers a peaceful, almost magical experience. If you’re looking for a quieter visit without the crowds, it’s a great choice?but always stay mindful of your surroundings.
I have visited Fushimi Inari Taisha several times because it is my very favorite place. I have compiled on “Best Time to Visit Fushimi Inari Taisha” based on my experiences. You can learn some tips on how to avoid the crowds and visit Fushimi Inari Taisha shrine wisely. I recommend that you check it as well if you don’t decided the time to visit there.
