A place story by Momo
Shinto shrine
About this place
About 10,000 torii gates lead onto a sacred mountain 🌿
4.6 · 91,593 reviews · GOOGLE_MAPS
About 10,000 torii gates are said to stand on Inariyama! 😲 The custom of donating gates began in the Edo period, and the entire mountain is considered sacred. At the mountain’s western foot, Fushimi Inari-taisha is the head shrine of about 30,000 Inari shrines across Japan.
From the first torii gate—the gateway that marks a shrine entrance—follow the route past Romon, Gehoiden, Naihoiden, and the main sanctuary. Gehoiden is an outer worship hall that also serves as a dance hall; beneath its eaves, 12 iron lanterns feature openwork designs of the zodiac signs. Then head toward Okusha through Senbon Torii, the approach lined with rows of red torii gates ✨
Senbon Torii splits into two paths on the way to Okusha. The route to Inariyama’s 233-meter summit is about 4 kilometers and takes about 2 hours on foot. Small Otsuka are also dedicated along the mountain path. Thinking of walking to the top? Bring comfortable walking shoes 🥾
Follow the gates to Okusha
The route leads from the first torii gate past Romon, Gehoiden, Naihoiden, and the main sanctuary, then through Senbon Torii toward Okusha. Gehoiden is a dance hall, and its 12 iron lanterns have openwork zodiac designs. Take a look, then follow the gate-lined path—it divides into two, so notice its shape as you go 🔎
Walk up Inariyama
All of Inariyama is sacred, and its summit is 233 meters high. The path to the top is about 4 kilometers and takes about 2 hours on foot. The mountain is said to have about 10,000 torii gates, along with small Otsuka dedicated along the way. Planning to reach the summit? Choose comfortable walking shoes ⛰️
Hours and getting there
You can visit for free, 24 hours a day. Inari Station on the JR Nara Line is right in front of the shrine, and Fushimi-inari Station on the Keihan Main Line is about a 5-minute walk away 🚃 Hatsuma, the first day of the horse in February, has long drawn many visitors. Visit then if you’d like to experience the bustle, too.
TripNaru photos
Opening hours
- Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun 00:00–24:00