Fushimi Inari Shrine: Explore the 1,000 Torii Gates on an audio walking tour
4.8 / 5 · 8 traveler reviews
Fushimi Inari Taisha has welcomed worshippers since 711 AD, founded by the Hata clan after a poor rice harvest. It's now the head shrine of roughly 30,000 Inari shrines across Japan, dedicated to the god of rice, sake and business success. Join me on this self-guided audio tour to learn why merchants have donated its vermilion gates since the Edo period — each one a thank-you for a wish granted — and stroll at your own pace through the famed Senbon Torii ("thousand gates") corridor and beyond, into forest most day-trippers never reach. The landmarks include: • The fox statues guarding the shrine — Inari's messengers, not the god itself • The Senbon Torii, an unbroken corridor of vermilion gates donated by grateful businesses • The Omokaru ("Heavy-Light") Stone, where a wish's fate is judged by its weight Take the walk fewer visitors finish, and discover what 1,300 years of gratitude looks like. Beat crowded tour groups & enjoy the tour on your own at your own pace.
Your experience
Stop 1
The tour starts here, opposite the Inari station and in front of a statue of a fox.
Stop 2
This is the second stop on the tour. Here you'll start to learn about the significance of the shrines.
Stop 3
At this stop, you'll learn about a ritual called Hand Water.
Stop 4
You'll have a short stop at this beautiful main hall.
Stop 5
At this stop, you'll learn about Wabisabi.
Stop 6
You'll make your way through the Senbon Torii, the 1000 Torii gates.
Stop 7
You'll make your way through the Senbon Torii, the 1000 Torii gates.
Stop 8
At this stop, you'll learn about the Okusha shrine.
Stop 9
You'll make a brief stop by the Root up Pine Tree where you'll learn more about it.
Stop 10
This is where the tour ends. You'll have the opportunity to keep going or take a quick break before returning to the start.
What’s included
- Directions to the starting point so that when you're in the right place, the tour will start
- Lifetime access to this tour in English before your booking date and after it
- Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
- Access to VoiceMap's App on IOS or Android, with flexibility to enjoy the tour at your own pace.
- Trace 1,300 years of gratitude, one gate at a time - An experience of Fushimi
Not included
- Tickets or entrance fees to any museums or other attractions en route
- Smartphone and headphones
- Food and drink
- Transportation
Meeting and pickup
The tour starts by the statue of a fox beside a big red Torii Gate across from JR Inari station. Before arrival, install the VoiceMap app and use the code provided on your ticket. This is a self-guided audio tour that you can start, pause, or restart any time and complete at your own pace.
Before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Check the policy for your selected date and option before booking.
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