Fushimi Inari-taisha, Kyoto

Fushimi Inari-taisha is a revered Shinto shrine nestled in the city of Kyoto, Japan. This iconic site is famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates, which trail up the wooded mountain of Inari. The shrine is dedicated to Inari, the Shinto god of rice, prosperity, and industry, and it has been a place of worship since its foundation in 711 AD.

The shrine's most distinctive feature is the Senbon Torii ("thousands of torii gates"), which create a network of paths leading from the shrine's main buildings to the sacred Mount Inari, which stands at 233 meters. Each gate along the path has been donated by individuals, families, or companies hoping to receive blessings or as gratitude for prosperity bestowed by Inari. The inscriptions on the back of the gates indicate the donor's name and the date of the donation.

Fushimi Inari-taisha is also known for its hundreds of stone foxes, regarded as the messengers of Inari. Visitors often leave offerings at the feet of these fox statues, seeking favor or divine intervention in their business endeavors.

The shrine complex sprawls across the base of the mountain and includes several smaller shrines which span 4 kilometers and take approximately 2 hours to walk up. It is open to visitors 24 hours a day and is particularly enchanting at night when the paths are quieter, and the gates are subtly illuminated.

Throughout the year, Fushimi Inari-taisha hosts various festivals and events. The most notable is the Inari Matsuri, held in early February, which celebrates the deity with prayers for a bountiful harvest.