Fushimi Inari Shrine
Fushimi Inari is a Shinto shrine in Fushimi, Kyoto. The head shrine of all Inari shrines in the country, it is among the most popular tourist destinations in Japan, famous for its thousands of vermillion torii.
The shrine is said to have been established by the Hata clan in 711, though shrine structures were not built until later. As a shrine dedicated to the harvest, Fushimi Inari has always been popular with the peasantry; since 852, it has been frequently visited by members of the Imperial family, and their agents, as well.
The main shrine buildings were destroyed in the Ônin War (1467-1477), but were rebuilt in 1499. Toyotomi Hideyoshi donated the shrine's main gate after his mother's recovery from illness (for which he had prayed); countless individuals and organizations have donated torii, which form tunnels snaking up and down Mt. Inari.
References
- Plaques on-site.
