One of the must-go place if you are in Kyoto. Fushimi Inari was made famous by its the rows of torii gates, known as Senbon Torii. It is the custom of patrons to donate a torii which started to spread during the Edo period. For the purpose to get a wish to become true, or to thank for a wish that became true. We were just there earlier in the morning to get a free parking lot just beside the entrance to the shrine.
Thousand Torii Gates
After paying some respect at the shrine, we head up several steps to the path of 1000 torii gates. Many people we lining to take Instagram worthy shots. But we didn’t care much and simply enjoyed our walk through it.
Some couples and group of girls were in their Japanese traditional kimonos. Apparently, kimonos, hairdo makeover as well as slippers and accessories are available for rent in many shops nearby. They are not expensive either. If I have known earlier, I could have gotten them for my girls.
Inari Hill
As part of the plan for the day, we hiked up the Inari hills. There were several checkpoint shrines to visit. So without anyone to deter us, I took the kids up while the ladies waited at the foot. It was a gruelling 5 km round trip hike, with half of it uphill steps.
We stopped by at the mid point to have some ice-cream. You will be surprised how many Japanese old folk made it up there. Not an easy climb even for the average young chap.
Down hill was quick and through thousands of Torii too.
You will pass by some smaller shrines, shops and drinks stations.
It was really a nice hike, which took us about 1.5 hours.
Street food stands
After we connected back with the whole family at the bottom, we then explored the street food stand along the road from the main shrine to the train station. That was basically our lunch.
We continued to walk and shop around, then made another trip back to the shrine as our car was parked just beside it. This time round, the sights of the shrine was very different due to the setting sun (by this time of the year, daylight are very short and sunset occur from 3-4pm onwards).
Fugu Fish Anyone?
After the tough hike, we decided we would eat a good meal giving our ladies a break. We went to a sushi train Japanese restaurant highly recommended by the Airbnb host. What was interesting is that they serve Fugu Fish sashimi, which in the literature we read, if not prepared correctly, you may be poisoned to death. My elder son was especially adventurous and insist that we try. And we did. Minutes after my elder son and I ate it and nothing has happened, my whole family tried.
Well, we are still alive and will go back anytime. The restaurant is in Uji if you were wondering – Uji conveyor belt sushi restaurant.
gobassky