10,000 Red Tori Gates - Fushimi Inari Shrine-JTB Sunrise Tour

The Fushimi Inari Shrine is home to 10,000 Torii gates that are seen as an entrance to a sacred shrine in Shinto religion. The Torii gates at Fushimi Inari Shrine give me one more reason to love historical Japan. These gates date back to 711 A.D., and as a foreigner with only a 250-year-old country, 1300 years old is an age I can’t even fathom.

To give a little background, a Torii gate is seen as an entrance to a sacred shrine in the Shinto religion. They mark the pathway to shrines across Asia, and I’m sure you’ve come to know them as a symbol of Japan.

They have foxes at this shrine.  This was an agricultural area and the foxes protected the rice fields because they ate the sparrows which fed on the rice.

What is unique about the Torii gates at Inari Fushimi, though, is their background. Each gate has been donated by a company or organization giving thanks for their prosperity and in hope of good fortune in the future. I only wished I could read all of the names engraved on each gate, but for now, it remains to be beautiful artwork representing Japan’s past.

Before entering a shrine it is tradition to prepare yourself by cleansing.  You get a ladle of water from the fountain and rinse your right hand, then your left then take a drink.  No one really drive 's it now.  Only pretend to.

This ice cream is sooooooo good!!  It doesn't melt, the ice cream is covered in a cone and chocolate in the middle.  Its our favorite Japan treat!!

Pinocchio Shrine

This beautiful shrine is hidden on a mountain near Tochigi Prefecture in Kanuma City. On the way up to the shrine is a huge impressive Tori gate.  Interestingly, this shrine is dedicated to the Tengu. In America, my thinking when I saw this guy was Pinocchio. 

Usually, at the start of the entrance to every shrine, there is a purification fountain.  You are supposed to take the ladle, fill it with fresh water and rinse your mouth and rinse both hands.  Then transfer some water into your cupped hand, rinse your mouth and spit the water beside the fountain.  

I don't know why every shrine has to be so high up to reach them but you can count on going up at least 100 steps to reach the top. 

 When entering temple buildings, most of the time you are required to remove your shoes.  You leave your shoes at the entrance on a shelf provided.  WEAR NICE SOCKS.  I wore sandals and could not go in.  There were many lions around this shrine.  

 Crossing the bridge to reach the beautiful gardens. This place is so serene, peaceful.  I could not believe the beauty of this garden, there were pine trees that were straight as arrows and looked like they reached the clouds.  I think Jack has replaced his vine for one of these beautiful trees to reach his destination.  The waterfalls within the park were totally awesome to listen to.   The group of us sat in a small building that gave a great view of the gardens and just enjoyed everything around us.  I hope if anybody gets to come to this place they come in fall when the background would just be spectacular with all the brilliant colors.

This is our host family.  I could not ask for a better experience then I have had to be here with them.  I have learned many Japanese traditions and the meaning of whey they do what they do. :-)  They are so kind and generous.

Beautiful gardens