No trip to Kyoto is complete with out a visit to Fushimi Inari Shrine.
An important Shinto shrine famous for its thousands of red Torii gates that lead up a hiking trail up Mt Inari.
All the Torii you see have been bought by people or companies.
The shrine is dedicated to the Shinto god of rice Inari and foxes are said to be the messengers, this is why you see so many fox statues here.
There are many stalls selling aburaage (fried tofu) which is supposed to be the favourite food of the foxy messengers. You can by Inari sushi or kitsune udon. Kitsune means fox.
Maybe have a look at my recipe pages and make your own.
I would also recommend visiting in the evening as well as in the day time, as the shrine is illuminated and has a different atmosphere at night.
After visiting the Inari Shrine I think it’s nice to take the short walk to Tofukuji a beautiful Buddhist temple near by.
Tofukuji has some of my favourite gardens designed by landscape architect Mirei Shigemori in the 1930’s.
The moss garden
Hojo rock Garden
Dry Zen Garden
Kaisando Hall
I have visited here at different times of the year and both spring and Autumn are especially lovely.
The temple has some wonderful maple colour in the Autumn.
