Visit to the Shinto Shrine with Famed Gates

Shinto Shrine with Famed Gates | Image Credit: By Rdsmith4 (Own work) [<a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.5">CC BY-SA 2.5</a>], <a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File%3AItsukushima_torii_angle.jpg">via Wikimedia Commons</a> — Shinto Shrine with Famed Gates | Image Credit: By Rdsmith4 (Own work) [CC BY-SA 2.5], via Wikimedia Commons

Japan is a land of much historical splendour and wonder. It is a nation with a tremendous amount of mysticism as well as a country that is at the forefront of technological innovation. The city of Kyoto is one of the most historically significant since it is the former capital of Imperial Japan. It is also a thriving tourism destination and has a multitude of attractions. As a result there are many choices of accommodation from the usual luxury hotels to a Kyoto service apartment such as the Citadines Karasuma Gojo Kyoto.

Out of the two-thousand plus temples that are present in Kyoto, one of the most prominent is the Fushimi Inari-Taisha, which is the head shrine of Inari. This Inari in question is believed to be a spirit that is associated with, in addition many other things, agriculture and industry. In ancient Japan it was believed that Inari was the patron of swordsmiths as well as merchants. Interestingly, this shrine is situated at the base of the mountain that happens to be the namesake of the spirit in question.

During the Heian period, which took place from 794 to 1185 BC, Emperor Murakami ordered messengers to carry recorded documents detailing important events and present them to the spirits by delivering them to a selection of sixteen shrines across the nation. One of such shrines was the Fushimi Inari-Taisha.
The structures that currently make up the shrine were built much after this era, with the main structure being completed in 1499. The main gate is situated at the bottom of the hill, which leads to the main shrine; the inner shrine however is located in the middle of the mountain.

This shrine is definitely one of the most essential experiences in Japan, and attracts millions of visitors on an annual basis.

Filled with wanderlust that seeks to explore distant shores and captivated by the colors and vibrancy of exotic cultures, Kanya Mae writes on the beautiful, exciting, and enchanting wonders of the world. She is a writer who not only has a passion for travel, but also has a background in fashion, art and media. Google+