A Japan Travel Guide- Exploring Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto, Japan
Fushimi Inari Shrine:
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One of the most popular and iconic shrines in Kyoto is undoubtedly the Fushimi Inari Shrine. Situated in southern Kyoto (capital of Japan in 794), this reputable shrine draws hundreds if not thousands of tourists daily. But is it just the shrine that draws people like a magnet? It is actually the tori gates.
This article serves as a guide to ensure your journey is smooth and relaxing at the Fushimi Inari Shrine. Before I dive into the main article, I want to first recommend places to stay, restaurants to eat at, and guide trips to book before you make the trip to Japan. I have resided in Japan for over 5 years and I have utilize viator and agoda for years.
How to Get from Tokyo to Kyoto
Your trip is not complete without riding the Bullet Train. In Chapter 11 of my book a Journey Through Japan, I provide a comprehensive list of all of the bullet trains noting the time of destination, and prices for unreserved, reserved, and green seat. Click HERE to see prices.
If you would like to purchase your BULLET TRAIN TICKET, click HERE!!!
Where to Stay in Kyoto:
Finding a place to stay can cause some anxiety. Below are some of my favorites that I have personally stayed at and are more than satisfied with my experience. See discounted prices below.
1. Hotel Granvia Kyoto- The elegant and spacious hotel is connected to the JR Kyoto Station. This well maintained hotel offered excellent service, large rooms, and an abundance of amenities. The location of the hotel is in close proximity to a myriad of restaurants and shopping areas. The breakfast is excellent!
JR Kyoto Station Central Exit, Shiokoji-sagaru, Karasuma-dori, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto 600-8216 Japan
2. Cross Hotel Kyoto- My experience was wonderful. This Cross Hotel Kyoto feels more like a 4 star hotel as it provided large and spacious rooms, delicious breakfast, and excellent customer service. The hotel is a short walk to Gion and in the vicinity of superb shopping areas.
71-1 Daikokuchō, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-8031
3. Hotel Okura Kyoto- The Hotel Okura Kyoto is very luxurious. The hospitality was incredible, and the rooms were spacious, clean, and excellent. The Hotel Okura Kyoto is within close walking distance to the main entertainment and shopping district called Kawaramachi.
〒604-8558 Kyoto, Nakagyo Ward, 河原町御池
4. Ace Hotel Kyoto- The Ace Hotel Kyoto is a historic and quaint hotel with a clever design. The beds are large and comfortable, and the restaurants are superb. The hotel is within walking distance of the famous Kawaramachi-dori and Nishiki Market.
245-2 Kurumayachō, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-8185
5. RIHGA Royal Hotel Kyoto- The RIHGA Roya Hotel Kyoto provides a free shuttle bus. The hotel is situated about 2 minutes from the Hongwanji temple, and it provides comfortable beds and large rooms. The luxury hotel even offers Japanese style tatami rooms. The hospitality and breakfast are excellent.
1-Taimatsu-cho, Shiokoji-sagaru, HigashiHorikawa-dori, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto 600-8237, Japan
6. Kyoto Century Hotel- cozy, fancy, and elegant with excellent staff, the hotel offers delicious breakfast, large, clean, and spacious beds. The staff are friendly and professional. The hotel is conveniently located 1 minute from the train station.
680 Higashishiokōjichō, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto, 600-8216
7. Sakura Terrace The Gallery-
A relaxed and cozy atmosphere where free coffee is served. The hotel provides massage chairs and large and spacious rooms. The hotel is a short distance from the Kyoto train station. The breakfast is excellent.
8. Hotel the Celestine Kyoto Gion
The hotel offers Japanese style tatami rooms and Japanese breakfast. The hotel is in close proximity of a variety of restaurants, shops, and attractions in the Higashiyama district. The hotel offers a nespresso in the room.
〒605-0811 Kyoto, Higashiyama Ward, Komatsuchō, 572
9. Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyoto Shinmachi Bettei- the hotel offers top notch hotel service, large and cozy hotel beds. Unlike many of the hotels, the Mitsui Garden Hotel has a garden in the middle of the hotel. The breakfast is amazing and the rooms are tidy and clean.
〒604-8212 Kyoto, Nakagyo Ward, Rokkakuchō, 361 三井ガーデンホテル京都新町別邸 1F
10. Hotel Nikko Princess Kyoto
630 Takahashichō, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto, 600-8096
The hotel provides great customer service, large spacious rooms, and it is conveniently located next to convenient stores and a temple. The breakfast is incredible.
Where to Book a Guide Trip to the Fushimi Inari Shrine:
I remember when I first arrived in Japan. I was lost as a goose. I wished I had a guide that I wrote a year ago to aid in guiding me through this beautiful country. Planning an itinerary in a foreign country can be frightening and traveling to a certain destination with no guide can be nerve wrecking as well. In Chapter 4 of my book A Journey Through Japan, I provide 67 detail tours supplying the reader with a mountain of resources and insight regarding tour guides in Japan. Click HERE to find out what those 67 tour groups are.
Fushimi Inari Shrine- A Local Born in Kyoto shares the secret path away tourists
Fushimi Inari Shrine: Explore the 1,000 Torii Gates on an audio walking tour
Kyoto Afternoon Tour - Fushimiinari Shrine & Kiyomizu Temple from Kyoto
More tours below:
Purifying station
When you exit the Inari train station, you will see a purifying station. According to Shinto tradition (one of the major religious beliefs in Japan), people physically wash their hands and mouths at a large stone wash basin where people utilize bamboo ladles to pour on their hands as a symbol of purification. This practice is commonly observed all over Japan.