Fushimi Inari Taisha & Senbon Torii

We departed from a hotel near Kyoto Station around 10 AM to visit Fushimi Inari Taisha. It took just two stops on the Nara Line to reach the destination. There were many tourists, making it difficult to take photos without people in the background. The shrine at the base of the mountain was the most crowded, but as we continued walking towards the summit, the path became less crowded. The Senbon Torii, or the thousands of red torii gates, are densely packed along the mountain trail, creating a spectacular sight. The vibrant red gates contrasted sharply with the lush green of the surrounding forest, making for stunning photos. Along the way, we saw many small and large shrines, which were simple yet ancient. The higher we climbed, the fewer tourists we encountered, and some spots offered a panoramic view of Kyoto city. By the time we descended, it was around 2 PM, and the number of tourists had noticeably decreased. The weather had also cleared up, allowing us to take more photos. Overall, it was a unique attraction that provided a deeper understanding of Japanese shrine culture.