Japan: Kyoto XI - Inari Gates
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Fushimi Inari Shrine (伏見稲荷大社, Fushimi Inari Taisha) is famous for its beautiful torii gates that stretches for miles. It is a Shinto shrine dedicated to Inari, the god of rice.
This is easy to get to. From Kyoto Station, JR Inari Station is the 2nd station along the JR Nara Line. Once you exit from the station, you'll find that almost everyone is heading in the same direction, towards the impressive vermilion Romon gate.
A torii gate is the boundary line between holy ground and the secular world. Upon passing through the torii gate, it means that you have entered the domain of the deity, thus bowing once in front of the torii gate is the appropriate gesture. Also, another etiquette of respect is to avoid the center and walk to the side, as the center pathway is where the deity passes.
You will find many fox statues around the shrine. Regarded as messages of the god, they hold the key to the rice granary in their mouths.
You'll find that in Japan, especially when you visit shrines, you see a pool of water with many wooden ladles. It is a "temizuya" water pavilion, and by rinsing you hands and mouth, is symbolizes the washing away of impurities from your heart as well as from your physical self.
1) Scoop up the water only once with the ladle in your right hand, then pour water over your left hand.
2) Next, hold the ladle with your left hand and pour water over your right hand.
3) In your left hand, pour some water into your scooped right hand and rinse your mouth. Never touch the ladle directly to your mouth.
4) Tip the ladle to rinse it off using the remaining water.
The first time we saw a water pavilion, we were at a total lost too! And we were so happy to find a sign that teaches us how to do it right!
Walk to the main shrine and keep walking up the steps, and it will seem as if you are going up a hiking trail with paved roads, and yes you are on the right track! Torii gates cover the span of the walking trail,
We saw a group of students aiming to throw their coins throw the hold in the rock statue. I supposed it represents good luck if you get it through and they had so much fun!
Soon, you'll see 2 paths lined with torii gates. This is a favourite spot for photography, so be ready to wait some while for turn. The initial part of the paths are very well maintained and crowded with people fascinated with their first glimpse of the magnificent sight. I'll suggest that you choose any of the 2 trails and just continue walking up the mountain. The crowds would be thinner, and you'll find it easier to pose for photos without having photo bombs.
Torii gates are donated by individuals or companies, hence you can see the inscriptions on each gate. As you walk up the mountain, the sights are less spectacular, the torii gates less grand, and you may take the same route down.
However, if you're patient, after about 30-45 min, there is an intersection that allows views over Kyoto. We didn't get so far though. Haha.
Info: http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3915.html
Next up, we're going Nijo Castle!
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