Japan
Fushimi Inari Shrine
Welcome to Kyoto, Japan! Fushimi Inari Shrine is famous for its thousands of bright orange torii gates that wind up a forested mountain like a glowing tunnel.
Why is it famous?
It has roughly 10,000 vivid orange torii gates donated by businesses over hundreds of years.
About 800 of the gates form the "Senbon Torii," a famous tunnel-like path visitors love to walk through.
How was it built?
The shrine was founded way back in 711 CE, making it over 1,300 years old.
New gates have been added bit by bit for centuries, each one a gift from a person or company hoping for good fortune.
Amazing facts
The trail of gates winds all the way up Mount Inari, a hike that takes about two to three hours round trip.
Fox statues called kitsune guard the shrine because foxes are believed to be Inari's messengers.
Quick facts
- The trail of gates winds all the way up Mount Inari, a hike that takes about two to three hours round trip.
- Fox statues called kitsune guard the shrine because foxes are believed to be Inari's messengers.
- Some fox statues hold a key, a jewel, or a scroll in their mouths.
- The shrine is dedicated to Inari, the spirit of rice, farming, and prosperity.