Kyoto's Iconic Trail
Fushimi Inari Hike
Walk through 10,000 vermillion torii gates winding up sacred Mount Inari. A 2-3 hour journey through ancient shrines, mystical fox guardians, and serene forest trails.
Begin Your Journey â
Walk through 10,000 vermillion torii gates winding up sacred Mount Inari. A 2-3 hour journey through ancient shrines, mystical fox guardians, and serene forest trails.
Begin Your Journey âFushimi Inari Taisha is Kyoto's most visited shrine, famous for its thousands of vermillion torii gates forming photogenic tunnels up Mount Inari. The hike is an easy-to-moderate stair walk suitable for most visitors.
4-5 km loop up and over Mount Inari with about 12,000 steps total.
2-3 hours for full loop. 60-90 min to Yotsutsuji viewpoint and back.
233 meters gain to summit. Feels like a long staircase, not a mountain climb.
Moderate. Well-paved steps, no technical sections. Basic fitness required.
Open 24/7, 365 days. Free admission. Shrine buildings 9am-5pm.
Approximately 10,000 torii gates donated by businesses and individuals.
The main trail is a well-marked loop up Mount Inari, starting at the main shrine and circling through the summit before returning.
Yotsutsuji Intersection is the only significant viewpoint, offering panoramic views over Kyoto city. Many hikers turn back here after 30-45 minutes for a satisfying "mini-hike." Features benches, teahouses, and vending machines.
Timing is crucial at Fushimi Inari. The wrong time means fighting crowds for photos; the right time means magical solitude through the gates.
Best choice. Minimal crowds, peaceful experience, beautiful soft light. By 9-10 AM the crowds surge significantly.
Lanterns create atmospheric orange glow. Few people at higher sections. Caution: wild boars possible after dark.
Regardless of when you visit, crowds decrease dramatically the farther up you hike. Most tourists only photograph the lower Senbon Torii section and turn back. Continuing past Yotsutsuji guarantees a much quieter experience.
Spring (late March-May) and Autumn (late October-early December) offer the best hiking weather and scenery, though they're also the most crowded.
| Season | Conditions | Crowds | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | Cherry blossoms, 10-25°C | Heavy | Beautiful but very busy in April |
| Early Summer | Fresh green, 15-27°C | Moderate | Sweet spot before July heat |
| Summer | Hot, humid, rainy | Lower | Go very early morning or evening |
| Autumn | Fall foliage, 6-23°C | Heavy | Stunning red/orange colors |
| Winter | Cold, occasional snow | Light | Quiet trails, magical snow days |
Kyoto sees snow on 16-21 days per winter, primarily in January. Light dustings are common; heavy accumulation is rare. Snow-covered torii gates create magical photo opportunities. Wear slip-resistant shoes as stone steps get icy.
Wear comfortable walking shoes with good grip for 12,000+ stone steps. Sneakers or hiking shoes are best. Avoid high heels, fancy shoes, or new shoes that might cause blisters. Steps are slippery when wet.
The iconic vermillion gates of Fushimi Inari
Full loop: 2-3 hours round trip. To Yotsutsuji viewpoint: 60-90 minutes round trip. Just Senbon Torii: 30-45 minutes. Faster hikers can complete the full loop in 90 minutes by going early.
Rated moderate/easy. About 12,000 steps over 4-5 km with 233m elevation gain. Well-paved stairs, no technical sections, plenty of rest spots. People of all fitness levels complete it, though the constant stairs will work your legs.
No! The shrine grounds and mountain trails are completely free and open 24/7, 365 days a year. Staffed shrine buildings operate roughly 9am-5pm.
Early morning (6-7 AM) is best. By 9-10 AM crowds surge dramatically. Evening visits (after 6 PM) also work, with atmospheric lantern lighting. Avoid 9 AM - 3 PM, weekends, and holidays.
No. Dense forest blocks views at the actual summit. The main viewpoint is Yotsutsuji intersection halfway up, offering panoramic views over Kyoto city. Many hikers turn back here.
The famous Senbon Torii tunnel section takes only 10-15 minutes to walk through. Beyond that, torii gates continue all the way to the summit - approximately 10,000 gates total over 4 km.