A thousand gates, a rice goddess, and werefoxes. This is the Fushimi Inari Shinto shrine complex in Kyoto. It was built before the formation of the city, the oldest buildings date back to 711.

The temple complex is located on a mountain named after one of the most revered Shinto goddesses in Japan – Inari – the patroness of abundance and rice. The main sanctuary of the temple is located at the top. And there are many more small prayer places along the way.

The way to the main temple is not quick: it takes 1.5-2 hours to get there. The road lies through corridors of torii – orange ritual gates that are offerings from wealthy people. It is believed that such gifts are a guarantee of the fulfillment of wishes. The complex has more than 10 thousand torii. They are made of wood, painted in bright colors. The bases of the gate are black, covered with metal around the perimeter.

During the long ascent, there is an opportunity to relax on the observation decks and admire Kyoto from above. Fans of statues and sculptures will appreciate the stone kitsune foxes, messengers of the goddess Inari. The Japanese dress them in red bibs to show reverence. The kitsune usually has the key to rice storage and a precious stone in the mouth. Most often, foxes «live» in pairs near temples. They can sit on the altar, as well as in front of the main sanctuary.

The favorite food of these animals is sushi rolls with fried tofu inside. This dish is often sold in stores near Inari shrines. Foxes also left their footprints, or rather their muzzles, on the signs of «EMA». On them, visitors to shrines draw their desired facial expression and write their wishes.

To get to the Fushimi Inari shrine you can take two lines: Nara Line, where you get off at Inari station, and Keihan Main Line, where you get off at Fushimi Inari station.