Inari Shrine

Hi,

I have been reading old posts and I wanted to ask a few questions. I went to Inari shrine in Kyoto on a rainy day at the end of November. Is it true the shrine never closes? Arn't they afraid people will go in there to cause mischief?

There was a lake in the middle of the mountain, how can that be possible? Is it just rain water that's accumulated there?

It took me a long time to climb the hill as I didn't have proper shoes. I think it took about 1 1/2 hours to get to the top. The map didn't seem like it was very accurate because everytime I looked at the map I was in the same spot even though I walked up many steps. One thing I did notice though, there are no washrooms aside from the ones at teh bottom of the hill. Is that true?

Also, I noticed most of hte people that worked in the restaurant or gift shops were elderly, do they have to walk up the steps everyday or is there a faster way to get up? I noticed there was a motorcycle as I was walking back down. Do people actually live on the mountain and that's how they can easily work there (the people at the shops)?

I wonder how does the bamboo grove in Kyoto compare to this? Would it be worth it to go back and tackle this place again?

Bamboo grove gives a peaceful feel
Inari Shrine gives a mystical feel

Yes. They walk. Japanese people live the longest and their elderly are mostly super fit compared to other urban countries.

What map? Google maps you mean? Not the traditional map?
Google maps depends on reception, and mountains is not flat enough for good signals.

It can be climbed in less than an hour. I was using shoes that gave way 2 days later. Bare footed in Himeji!

River, streams, underground water source. Why isn't it possible. Never seen in Caldera or a dam? Most water comes the mountains. Google "waterfalls".

Japan is generally a safe country. Mischief isn't very common. Think schools that has open campus. Fushimi Inari is a shrine, and a large majority of Japanese follow that religion, why would they cause mischief there of all places? You don't see other religious doing silly things in their places of worship... or maybe you do.

Fushimi Inari is a beautiful place and if you have the chance to see it in good weather, it is well worth it.
There is a restroom along the way up, not only at the bottom.
If there were roads for cars, many people would try to drive. But it's the walk up and down that is the real adventure.
You can see more at:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EandKTAwfOM

What is the writing that is on each Torii gate? I understand it has a date but what else does it say? I read on the itnernet that each torii gate is donated by a business. Is that true?

Also, there is a washroom halfway up as someone said. What about the people who are at the top? That's far to go to the washroom! You are right, I do remember seeing a washroom now that I think.

It is good there is no mischief, that is not always the situation elsewhere.

The top of the mountain is just a few shrines and altars. Not many people stay long enough. I can't remember whether there was a toiler way up top, but if anyone needed to go, there may be a toilet at the back of the altars meant for the shrine workers. Either way, the next toilet is about 15 minutes down slope so it ain't too bad.

What is the writing that is on each Torii gate? I understand it has a date but what else does it say? I read on the itnernet that each torii gate is donated by a business. Is that true?

Yes, it is written who donated the torii. Many of them are businesses, but it can also be individual persons. Anybody can donate. The larger the donation, the larger the torii. The cost for each size is posted at the shrine.

Sorry, I don't remember the toilet situation further up the mountain I just remember the one at the base of the mountain (about 400 meters beyond the main shrine grounds) to be cleaner and more modern than expected ;)

The Torii all looked the sane to me...hmm

Do the shops ever close for holidays? I noticed as we got further to the top not every rest place was open.

The torii on the way up are the same size, but you'll see smaller ones at key intersections and next to statues, etc.

Here is the price list in case you are interested:
http://inari.jp/gotinza1300/

Interesting, if I decide to go back I will definately pay attention.

I notice that on one part there was a date, does that mean the business name was on the other side?

I am guessing that it would be difficult to climb the mountain in the summer when it is humid?

Is it true that there are 1,000,000 steps to the top?

There is a path through residential streets from Yotsutuji to Sennyu-ji and Tofuku-ji.

aotoni

Does that mean that you could take a short cut into Inari shrine?

Are people allowed to take a short cut and walk off the steps path and into the forest? I thought this was not allowed but I've seen pictures of people walking along the forest away from the shrine.

It is not a short cut. But it is a pleasant walk and connects Fushimi Inari to Tokufuji. It is a long walk though.

Yes, it's not a short cut. You would be better to start early morning in summer.