A leisurely 45 minute train ride on the Keihan line from Yodayobashi lies Fushimi Inari, Kyoto.
Last Sunday, students from Smith’s School of English, Tsuruhashi went to visit this beautiful shrine.
It was built in 711 and is the most important of several thousands of shrines dedicated to Inari, the Shinto god of rice. Foxes are thought to be Inari’s messengers, resulting in many fox statues across the shrine grounds.
It’s quite an experience to wander up Inari Mountain through the many shrine gates, approximately 10,000 in all.
At the top of the mountain we all kicked back and had lunch and enjoyed giving our legs a rest. After descending we also visited Tofuku-ji Temple, which was built in 1236.
Another reason for visiting was to view the autumn red leaves and although we saw quite a few, maybe we were a week or two early.
All in all, it was a great day out, with beautiful blue skies and great conversation.
I would recommend a visit soon!
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