This immersive video transports you to Fushimi Inari Taisha (伏見稲荷大社), one of Kyoto’s most iconic destinations, famed for its trails weaving through nearly 10,000 vivid vermilion torii gates. Filmed in the tranquil, drizzly hours before dawn in mid-June, 2025, the footage offers a rare perspective: a serene journey largely uninterrupted by crowds, with only the gentle sound of rain on the forest canopy and torii gates. This experience differs from typical visits, which often see large groups of visitors during the day.

The walk begins at the Great Torii, leading viewers past notable points such as the Flower Shrine Gate, Shirahata-ko Shrine, and the important Mt. Inari crossroads. The route climbs higher up Mount Inari, moving through stretches where the torii gates become denser, and the rain develops into a soothing downpour that enhances the ambiance of this sacred forest. Moments such as the passage by Sannomine (Shimosha Shinseki), the summit of Mount Inari, and small waterfalls like Yakuriki no Taki are highlighted, providing insight into both the natural and spiritual aspects of the shrine complex.

Fushimi Inari is a must-see for travelers in Kyoto, not just for its photogenic torii gates but for its historical and cultural importance. Founded over 1,300 years ago, it is the head shrine for over 30,000 Inari shrines across Japan, dedicated to Inari, the Shinto god of rice, prosperity, and foxes (kitsune), who are believed to be his messengers. Early-morning or rainy-day visits are highly recommended for those seeking a unique and peaceful experience away from bustling tourist crowds. This video also includes stops at lesser-visited shrines and scenic viewpoints, allowing viewers to appreciate Fushimi Inari’s deeper layers beyond the famous entrance.

Whether you’re interested in Japanese spirituality, unique atmospheric walks, or planning your own trip to Kyoto, this video is both a meditative journey and a practical guide to enjoying one of Japan’s most treasured sites in rare solitude.