Senbon Torii - Fushimi Inari Shrine

Yesterday and today, CIEE students visited Fushimi Inari Shrine. Inari is the Shinto god of rice. Fushimi Inari is known best for its senbon torii (thousands of torii gates) - in fact, there are more than 10,000 of them. Each torii is inscribed with the name of the individual or business that donated it. The Romon Gate at the entrance of the shrine was erected in 1589 by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, a significant figure in Japanese history.

The paths leading up to the summit are attractive, meandering, and easy to hike. Yesterday the weather was very hot, but some students still tackled the trail and achieved the summit. Today, it rained, but still, many were determined to get to the top. It didn't take as long as predicted (they say it takes 2 hours.)

Along the way, we saw statues of foxes, who are said to be Inari's special messengers. Fushimi Inari is quite ancient; it was founded in 711 by the Hata Family.