A bounding 'messenger Fox

The Fushimi Inari-Taisha shrine is possibly the most distinctive shrine in Kyoto as a result of the dominant colours of orange and black that adorn the structures. The shrine is located in South West Kyoto at the base of the Inari Hill. The first structures were built in 711 AD, but the main structures were built from 1499 AD. The shrine was dedicated to spirits that represent rice and agriculture in the Shinto religion, but later businessmen and industrialists also became worshipers.

Similar to other shrines, the temple complex will be approached through a tower gate (known as a Rōmon) and this structure and the main shrine complex are located at the base of the hill. However, behind the main shrine (Go-honden) complex, rising up the hill are paths covered by around 1000 gates (Torii), which quickly draw in tourists. These Torii have been sponsored by businesses and are so closely spaced that the effect is like being in a tunnel.

Along the hill paths, smaller shrines appear in gaps between the Torii, where another signature aspect of the shrine can be seen, which are the fox statues. Foxes represent messengers in the Shinto religion and these have keys in their mouths that represent the keys to the rice granaries. 

Even though the main religious purpose of the shrine is located at ground level, where the main buildings are located, the Torii paths, one path or up and the other for down, give an expectation that there will be a greater reward of a larger shrine or a fantastic view when reaching the top of the hill, but ironically, apart from a rest-stop and café at around mid-way up, which does indeed have some good views across Kyoto, at the top there are very small shrines, while the expected view is obscured by tall trees, which is an anti-climax, especially in that it is around an hour to get up there.