Fushimi Inari Taisha
This was our very first stop in Kyoto, and we decided to make good use of our jet lag and get there a little earlier around 8 am. The official visiting time is at 9 am, but that's just when the shops open. The site itself is open 24 hours a day. It's well worth the effort to go earlier. There were very few people and great morning light. And unless you're okay with paying respects to the mosquito gods, bring bug spray.
The main shrine is the first thing that greets visitors after passing through the large two-storied gate.
Our early arrival time allowed us to hear some of the morning prayers and chants.
The main shrine isn't the only reason to visit here. There are over 10,000 torii gates that wind up the side of Mt. Inari.
Beginning our ascent up the mountain and through the shrine gates.
Each torii is said to represent a wish that will come through or has already come through, all built from donations.
The Senbon Torii (1000 shrine gates) is the most concentration of gates in a row and is a surreal experience to walk through on a quiet morning.
Decision time...left or right?
Facing frontwards, the gates look unadorned, but when we turn around and look behind us...
Spirit foxes are said to be messengers conveying wishes to Inari Okami, the god of harvest.
The shrines are painted the color vermilion which is said, according to our map, "to symbolize the life force and counteract spells".
Just when we thought there were only rows and rows of gates heading upwards, the landscape flattens and we see this.
We explored the little paths and alleyways, some paved and some not.
At every turn was a beautiful little niche of worship.
Cat guardian, protector of shrines.
The whole hike up Mt. Inari is said to take two hours. Unfortunately, we had to move on to our next site, but it was very hard to leave this beautiful place, and I will always wonder, what's beyond that next torii?