Shiwa Inari Shrine
志和稲荷神社
Iwate · Shiwa
Inari Commerce
Meishin-taisha
Fushimi Inari Taisha
伏見稲荷大社
Nijunisha
Admission
Free
Goshuin (Temple Seal)
300 yen
Access
1 min walk
Hours
24 hours
Overview
Fushimi Inari Taisha is the head shrine of roughly 30,000 Inari shrines across Japan -- the largest shrine network in the country. The shrine's defining feature is the seemingly endless procession of vermilion torii gates that wind through the forested slopes of Mount Inari. There are estimated to be over 10,000 torii gates in total, donated by individuals and businesses seeking prosperity. The shrine was founded in 711 by the Hata clan, who were influential immigrants from the Korean peninsula. Inari worship centers on agricultural abundance (the name 'Inari' derives from 'ine-nari,' meaning 'rice growing'), but over the centuries it expanded to encompass business prosperity, making Inari the most widely worshipped deity in Japan. The fox (kitsune) is the divine messenger of Inari, and fox statues are found throughout the shrine grounds. The full mountain pilgrimage circuit takes approximately 2-3 hours and passes through atmospheric sub-shrines and scenic viewpoints over Kyoto. Fushimi Inari has ranked as the most visited shrine in Japan by foreign tourists for multiple consecutive years.
History
Founding
📜According to tradition
711 [Wado 4]
Head shrine of approximately 30,000 Inari shrines across Japan, making it the largest shrine network. The iconic thousands of vermilion torii gates (senbon torii) winding up Mount Inari are one of the most photographed scenes in Japan.
📄
Documented
711 Source: Shrine chronicle
711📜According to tradition
Founded when Hata no Irogu enshrined deities on Mount Inari
1499📄Documented
Main hall rebuilt after Onin War destruction; five deities consolidated into single hall
Enshrined Deities
⛩
Ukanomitama No Okami
primary Deity
⛩
Satahiko No Okami
secondary Deity
⛩
Omiyanome No Okami
secondary Deity
Blessings
Shrine Network
Inari Head shrine (souhonsha)
Did You Know?
💡
There are over 10,000 torii gates on Mount Inari, each donated by an individual or business for blessings of prosperity.
Source: documented
💡
Foxes are the divine messengers of Inari, not the deity itself. They are believed to carry messages between the deity and worshippers.
Source: tradition
💡
The shrine has consistently ranked as the most popular shrine in Japan among international visitors.
Source: documented
💡
The name 'Inari' derives from 'ine-nari' (rice growing), reflecting the original agricultural nature of the worship.
Source: scholarly_debate
In Pop Culture
game / 1996
Persona Series Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto. The iconic torii gates appear as a location in Persona 5 during the Kyoto school trip sequence.
movie / 2005
Memoirs of a Geisha (SAYURI) Fushimi Inari Taisha in Kyoto. The scene of young Chiyo running through the thousands of vermillion torii gates is one of the most iconic scenes in the film, and helped make Fushimi Inari world-famous.
anime / 2010
Inari Konkon Koi Iroha Fushimi Inari Taisha in Kyoto. The shrine is the central setting of the entire series, with detailed and accurate depictions of the shrine grounds, torii gates, and surrounding area.
Practical Information
Location Coordinates
34.9672, 135.7727
Physical Address
68 Fukakusa Yabunouchicho, Fushimi-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
京都府京都市伏見区深草薮之内町68
Access
Inari Station (JR Nara Line)
1 min walk
Hours
24 hours
Visitor information last verified: 2026-04-06. Please check the official website for the latest details.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Information provided by Jinja DB Editorial Team
What is Fushimi Inari Taisha?
Fushimi Inari Taisha is the head shrine of roughly 30,000 Inari shrines across Japan -- the largest shrine network in the country. The shrine's defining feature is the seemingly endless procession of vermilion torii gates that wind through the forested slopes of Mount Inari. There are estimated to be over 10,000 torii gates in total, donated by individuals and businesses seeking prosperity. The shrine was founded in 711 by the Hata clan, who were influential immigrants from the Korean peninsula. Inari worship centers on agricultural abundance (the name 'Inari' derives from 'ine-nari,' meaning 'rice growing'), but over the centuries it expanded to encompass business prosperity, making Inari the most widely worshipped deity in Japan. The fox (kitsune) is the divine messenger of Inari, and fox statues are found throughout the shrine grounds. The full mountain pilgrimage circuit takes approximately 2-3 hours and passes through atmospheric sub-shrines and scenic viewpoints over Kyoto. Fushimi Inari has ranked as the most visited shrine in Japan by foreign tourists for multiple consecutive years.
Where is Fushimi Inari Taisha located?
Fushimi Inari Taisha is located in Kyoto-shi, Fushimi-ku, Kyoto. The full address is: 68 Fukakusa Yabunouchicho, Fushimi-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto.
What deities are enshrined at Fushimi Inari Taisha?
The enshrined deities are: ukanomitama no okami, satahiko no okami, omiyanome no okami.
What blessings can you pray for at Fushimi Inari Taisha?
Fushimi Inari Taisha is known for: Business Prosperity, Abundant Harvest, Safety & Protection, Success.
How do I get to Fushimi Inari Taisha?
The nearest station is Inari Station (JR Nara Line). It is about a 1-minute walk from the station.