Discover the Enchanting Kyoto Fushimi Inari Taisha: History, Features, and Access.

Three Must-Visit Places in Kyoto for a Spiritual Cleansing Experience

Kyoto is one of Japan’s most famous and charming tourist destinations. Here are three recommended spots you should know about for a spiritually refreshing experience when visiting Kyoto.

Must-Visit Spot in Kyoto (1): Fushimi Inari Taisha

Discover the Enchanting Kyoto Fushimi Inari Taisha: History, Features, and Access.

Fushimi Inari Taisha is a shrine located in Kyoto’s southern Fushimi district.

Since there is no admission fee, it’s a popular spot for many tourists, including those from abroad.

As the head shrine of over 30,000 Inari shrines across Japan, Fushimi Inari Taisha holds immense influence, attracting visitors from all over the world.

At the shrine’s entrance, you’ll find statues of foxes, which were once believed to be messengers sent by the Inari deity, who was worshipped for good harvests in Japan’s agricultural past.

It’s important to note that the foxes are not worshipped as gods themselves but are seen as divine messengers sent by the Inari deity to the human world.

The Fascinating World of Torii Gates at Fushimi Inari Taisha, Kyoto

Discover the Enchanting Kyoto Fushimi Inari Taisha: History, Features, and Access.

One of the main highlights of Fushimi Inari Taisha is its countless torii gates. There are around 10,000 of them lining the path up the mountain.

The most famous section is the “Senbon Torii,” where walking through the vibrant red gates creates a truly magical and otherworldly experience.

The bright red color, which originated from Taoism in China and is considered a sacred color, contrasts beautifully with the lush greenery surrounding the gates.

Interestingly, you can even donate a torii gate! This tradition began in the Edo period when people would donate gates as a way of giving thanks to the gods for granting their wishes. So, when you visit Fushimi Inari Taisha, you’ll realize that with each of the 10,000 gates, a wish has been fulfilled.

The donation of a torii gate starts at ¥175,000 (for a small gate, size 5) and can go up to ¥1,302,000, depending on the size. If that’s a bit too expensive, you can buy an affordable fox-shaped ema (wooden plaques for writing prayers or wishes) instead.

Discover the Enchanting Kyoto Fushimi Inari Taisha: History, Features, and Access.

People get creative with these ema; some even draw anime characters instead of traditional fox faces! Just looking at all the unique designs can be a fun experience in itself.

You can visit Fushimi Inari Taisha for the iconic red torii gates or enjoy a hike up Mount Inari.

There are also plenty of food stalls along the nearby streets, making it a great spot for snacking as you explore. Be sure to stop by when you’re visiting Kyoto!

Must-Visit Spot in Kyoto (2): The Bamboo Grove

Summary of Recommended Tourist Attractions in Arashiyama Area. / Bamboo Grove

The Bamboo Grove is located in Arashiyama, on the western side of Kyoto.

It’s a scenic path about 300 meters long, connecting Nonomiya Shrine, famous for bringing good luck in relationships, to the Okochi Sanso Villa. You might recognize it from commercials or TV dramas, as it’s one of the most iconic spots in Kyoto.

The Arashiyama area became known in the Heian period when it was a retreat for the nobility. The elegant atmosphere of the area truly embodies the spirit of Kyoto.

For over 1,000 years, this area—once loved by aristocrats—continues to attract visitors from around the world.

The path, surrounded by towering bamboo, lets in gentle sunlight and a pleasant breeze, creating a space where you can feel spiritually refreshed.

The entire bamboo grove is a photographer’s dream. As you walk, the scenery changes, so take your time to explore and find your own perfect spot for capturing the beauty of the bamboo forest.

World Heritage Site Near Kyoto’s Bamboo Grove!

Summary of Recommended Tourist Attractions in Arashiyama Area. / Tenryu-ji

Close to the Bamboo Grove, you’ll find Tenryu-ji, a UNESCO World Heritage site. It’s a famous Zen temple and the head of the Tenryu-ji school of Rinzai Zen Buddhism.

With so many beautiful spots to explore in one visit, why not take a trip to Kyoto’s Bamboo Grove and enjoy a truly healing experience?

Must-Visit Spot in Kyoto (3): Hogon-in Temple

Summary of Recommended Tourist Attractions in Arashiyama Area. / Hogon-in

The last spot to introduce is Hogon-in, also located in Arashiyama, like the Bamboo Grove.

Hogon-in is best known for its stunning autumn foliage and the breathtaking light-up displays during this season.

Take a look! The beauty is truly awe-inspiring. The best time to visit is from late November to early December.

Hogon-in is usually closed to the public, so it’s a rare opportunity to visit during its special openings in spring and autumn. Don’t miss out!

What Makes Hogon-in Temple Special?

Summary of Recommended Tourist Attractions in Arashiyama Area. / Hogon-in

Hogon-in is famous for its garden, called “Shishiku-no-niwa,” a beautiful landscape featuring maple trees and carefully placed rocks. This garden is even featured in the famous guide Miyako Rinsen Meisho Zue.

The combination of autumn leaves and light-up displays makes the garden look even more magical. The garden is simply amazing!

With the temple, the vibrant red and orange maple leaves, and the surrounding bamboo groves, the scenery becomes almost otherworldly.

The lighting really enhances the beauty, making the experience even more breathtaking if you visit during the right season.

After exploring the Bamboo Grove, make sure to stop by Hogon-in for a truly unforgettable experience!

This time, we introduced three must-visit places in Kyoto for a spiritually cleansing experience. If even one of these spots made you think, “I have to visit this when I go to Kyoto!” then I’m happy to hear it. I hope you look forward to the next article!

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