Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine: Hiking Mount Inari

Last Updated on April 29, 2025 by Charlotte

Stepping beneath the first vermilion torii gate at Fushimi Inari Taisha feels like crossing a threshold between two worlds. The crisp autumn air carries whispers of incense, curling between the pillars of the thousands of gates that snake up the mountainside. Like many visitors, I made the classic mistake: I hadn’t done any research. The iconic photos only show the first stretch of what turns out to be a two-to-three hour hike over Mount Inari. In this post, I’ll take you with me beyond the crowds—through winding trails, forest shrines, and flickering fox altars—into the heart of one of Japan’s most sacred and enchanting places.

Into the Realm of Inari

As I enter the shrine grounds, I’m immediately surrounded by throngs of tourists. It’s a sea of cellphones and cameras, all jostling for that perfect shot of the grand torii gates that lead to the heart of the shrine. I pause to watch a group of young women in kimonos posing beneath the orange arches, their laughter rising above the crowd. I make a mental note: next time, I’ll rent a kimono too.

It is the peak of autumn, and the hillside of Mount Inari is alight with splashes of amber and ruby foliage. I reach the start of the torii tunnels. This is where most visitors turn back, satisfied with their quintessential Kyoto snapshot. But I keep walking. With each step up the stone path, the crowds begin to thin, replaced by the rustle of leaves and the quiet rhythm of my breath.

The mountain is calling.

The Kitsune of Mt Inari

Stone fox statues known as kitsune begin to appear along the path, each one frozen mid-prowl. Some perch beside lanterns, and others stand guard over tiny shrines. Many wear bright red yodarekake, or votive bibs, offered by worshippers as a sign of respect. Upon a closer look, I notice that some of the kitsune carry a ball in their mouths, while others hold scrolls containing wisdom or prayers.

As I continue walking, I start to see these fox messengers in a different light. Each one seems to embody centuries of hopes, prayers, and offerings from those who came seeking prosperity and protection. In Japanese folklore, kitsune are the messengers of Inari, the Shinto deity of rice, sake, tea, and abundance. Inari worship predates the arrival of Buddhism in Japan, with roots stretching back to at least the 5th or 6th century. Even today, Inari remains one of the most widely venerated kami, or gods, in Japan.

A View Over Kyoto

I reach the first viewpoint and treat myself to a cone of matcha soft serve, which despite the cold weather, is surprisingly refreshing after the exertion of the climb. From here, the city of Kyoto spreads out in a mosaic of rooftops and rivers, cradled by the distant mountains that stretch across the horizon.

Over seventy percent of Japan is mountainous, and these peaks have shaped more than just the landscape. They’ve influenced how people traveled, grew food, worshiped, and even celebrated the seasons. Like hanami, the springtime tradition of cherry blossom viewing, autumn brings its own ritual: momijigari, the art of seeking out changing leaves. Standing here at this lookout, surrounded by fiery maples and fading golden ginkgo, I feel like I’m taking part in something timeless.

Into the Heart of Mt. Inari

Beyond the lookout, the forest path is silent but for the cawing of crows and the trickle of a distant stream. The trail is still a climb, but it’s gentle enough to let my mind wander, leaving me alone with my thoughts. While the scenery around me is calm, inside, I’m in turmoil.

For months, I’ve stood at a personal crossroads, living through one of the most difficult seasons of my life. Long before stepping foot on this mountain, I’ve been running. From people, from problems, from the fear of standing still. This hike over Mt. Inari gives me the time to breathe. The space to ask myself what I want from this life, even if I don’t have all of the answers yet.

The Mountain Becomes a Sanctuary

Along the way, I pause at every small shrine that catches my eye. Some are tucked into mossy alcoves, while others marked by flickering candles and offerings. Each one feels like an invitation to linger. I don’t know the meaning behind every statue or prayer tablet, but that doesn’t seem to matter.

There’s something about these humble altars that speaks to me. Each one is a quiet reminder that sacred spaces don’t need to be grand to hold power. The shrines feel like stepping stones, guiding me gently downhill, helping me carry a little of this peace with me back into the world below.

The air grows colder as the sun sinks behind the mountains. I complete the loop and step back into the city, where the hum of everyday life slowly returns. I leave the mountain feeling a little steadier, a little more sure of who I am, and a little more at peace than when I began. Thank you for walking with me on this unexpectedly magical journey through Fushimi Inari.

How to Visit Fushimi Inari Taisha

If you’d like to follow the path through the torii and into the quiet beauty of Mount Inari, here’s what to know before you go.

Best Time to Visit

• Autumn is ideal for cool weather and vivid foliage, especially from late October to mid-November.
• Spring brings delicate cherry blossoms to parts of the trail and shrine grounds, especially in early April, though it also tends to be busier.
• Winter can be peaceful and atmospheric, with a chance of seeing the torii gates dusted with snow.
• Summer tends to be hot and humid, and the trail can get slippery in the rain.

How to Get to Fushimi Inari Taisha

The shrine is easily accessible via public transportation:

• From JR Kyoto Station, take the JR Nara Line to Inari Station (just 5 minutes, ¥150)
• Alternatively, take the Keihan Main Line to Fushimi Inari Station
• Both stations are just a 2-3 minute walk from the shrine entrance.

Hours & Cost

One of the best things about Fushimi Inari is that it’s open 24/7, 365 days a year. There are no closing times or entry fees, shrine is completely free to visit.

Facilities

Refreshments

You’ll find numerous food stalls near the entrance, selling everything from matcha ice cream to kitsune-shaped sembei crackers. Further up the mountain, there are a few rest areas with vending machines and simple snacks.

Toilets

Public restrooms are available at the base of the shrine and at some points along the trail. The train stations nearby (JR Inari and Keihan Fushimi-Inari) also have restrooms.

Mount Inari Hiking Details

The hike over Mount Inari isn’t difficult, but it’s longer than many visitors expect. Here’s what to know before you set out.

• Distance: 5 km+ / 3 miles
• Time: 2-3 hours
• Elevation: 233 meters / 765 feet

Is This Hike for Me?

• This hike is for you if you are looking for a magical walk in the woods, matcha ice cream, or soba noodles on top of a mountain.
• This hike might not be for you if you have mobility issues, difficulty with stone steps and tiles, or a phobia of crows and foxes. Luckily, some torii gates can still be viewed at the bottom entrance of the shrine.

What to Bring

• Comfortable walking shoes (you’ll be climbing stone steps)
• Water bottle (though there are vending machines along the way)
• Cash for snacks and souvenirs (many small vendors don’t accept cards)
• Camera (obviously!)
• Light jacket or layer (it can be cooler on the mountain, especially in the shade)