Senbon Torii of Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine and Tofuku-ji Temple

This course takes you through the Senbon Torii at Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine, then one stop on the JR Nara Line to Tofuku-ji Temple to explore Tsutenkyo Bridge and its gardens, before heading to Sennyu-ji Temple, which has deep connections with the imperial family.

History and Regional Charm

Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine is the head shrine of the Inari shrines, said to number about 30,000 throughout Japan. It is handed down that the deity Inari Okami was enshrined on Mount Inari in 711, the fourth year of the Wado era during the Nara period. To the north, Tofuku-ji Temple is a large temple complex built by Kujo Michiie, a regent of the Kamakura period, who took the characters "To" and "Fuku" from Todai-ji and Kofuku-ji temples; it flourished as one of the Kyoto Gozan (Five Great Zen Temples of Kyoto). Further east at the foot of Mount Tsukinowa lies Sennyu-ji Temple, also known as "Mitera" due to its close ties with the imperial family. The area around Tofuku-ji Temple and Sennyu-ji Temple is nestled between the Higashiyama mountain range and the Kamo River, where JR and Keihan rail lines run side by side, making it easy to visit from Kyoto Station.

Key Highlights

• ​Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine​​: Torii gates, dedicated in the hope that a wish will "go through" (come true) or in thanks that it has, now number around 10,000 lining the entire mountain path, and the "Senbon Torii" along the approach to the inner shrine has become a well-known spot. At the Okusha Hohaisho (inner shrine worship site) just past the Senbon Torii, you can try lifting the stone lantern head called "Omokaru-ishi" to test whether your wish will be granted based on its felt weight.
• ​Tofuku-ji Temple​​: Tsutenkyo Bridge, a covered bridge corridor crossing the Sengyokukan Ravine, offers views of maple trees stretching out below, and is known for its scenery of autumn foliage and fresh greenery. The Hasso Garden at the abbot's hall, created by landscape architect Shigemori Mirei, is designated as a National Place of Scenic Beauty, and the Sanmon gate—the oldest and largest surviving Zen gate—is a National Treasure.
• ​Sennyu-ji Temple​​: The head temple of the Sennyu-ji branch of Shingon Buddhism. The Butsuden (main Buddha hall), standing directly down the "descending approach" from the Daimon gate, is a National Important Cultural Property, and the cloud dragon painting on its ceiling was brushed by Kano Tan'yu. The Sho-Kannon statue enshrined in the Yokihi Kannon Hall is warmly regarded by many women as a Kannon deity for prayers of beauty.

Suggested Route and Duration

The recommended duration is about 5 hours. Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine is located right by Inari Station on the JR Nara Line, or about a 5-minute walk east from Fushimi-Inari Station on the Keihan Main Line. The "Oyama-meguri" circuit around the sacred sites of Mount Inari covers about 4 kilometers and takes about 2 hours, so depending on your schedule, you can also choose to turn back at the Okusha Hohaisho after passing through the Senbon Torii. To reach Tofuku-ji Temple, take the JR Nara Line one stop toward Kyoto Station from Inari Station to Tofukuji Station, from which it is about a 10-minute walk. As it is only about 1.1 kilometers north, you can also walk there. From Tofuku-ji Temple to Sennyu-ji Temple is about a 15-minute walk. On the way back, it takes about 20 minutes to walk from Sennyu-ji Temple to Tofukuji Station on the JR Nara Line, from where Kyoto Station is just one stop away. Tofuku-ji Temple becomes extremely crowded during the autumn foliage season, so it is recommended to use public transportation.

Experience Summary

The approach on Mount Inari lined with vermilion torii, Tsutenkyo Bridge arching over the foliage valley, and the tranquil grounds of the imperial Mitera. Just one or two stations away from Kyoto Station, enjoy visiting these three temples and shrines with their distinctive atmospheres all in one day.