6 October 2016 –  
In Japan's former ancient capital, Kyoto, there are many awe-inspiring attractions that draw visitors from around the globe every year. However, the Fushimi Inari-Taisha shrine is widely considered one of the most iconic, owing to the myriad bright orange gates that snake through the surrounding landscape, providing visitors with the most spellbinding walks and stunning photo opportunities. The Kyoto Convention and Visitors Bureau is therefore encouraging UK visitors to not miss a trip to this incredible attraction on a holiday to Japan this winter.

Glorious Colour
On approaching the Fushimi Inari-Taisha shrine, visitors are greeted by the vision of the famous building, framed by the first of the many vibrant gates, named torii, which make an outing to the historical site so memorable. Once at the rear of the building, visitors can enjoy the seemingly infinite path of over 500 vivid torii, which form a special pathway from the shrine and through the adjoining hills.

Whether a traveller has paid homage to the historic site several times before or is taking their first excursion through the torii, the setting perpetually plays host to a delightfully atmospheric stroll, with visitors passing graveyards and smaller shrines along the way, before finally reaching the inner shrine. Once at the summit, hikers are rewarded with the vision of tens of thousands of mounds for private worship, rendering the whole experience thoroughly ethereal.

Rich History
Dedicated to Inari, the god of rice, the shrine's earliest structures were built in 711 on the Inariyama hill in southwestern Kyoto, prior to its relocation in 816 on the request of the monk Kūkai. Inari is also widely considered the patron of business and it is said that each of the splendid torii gates were donated by a Japanese company, to bring prosperity. Visitors can also find many statues of foxes, which are believed to be the messenger of Inari, at the site for worship.

Access
Further to the shrine's impressive structure and striking colours, its location firmly cements it as one of the most outstanding tourism sites in Japan; the shrine is found at the base of the Inari mountain, which lies 233 metres above sea level. It is situated just outside the JR Nara Line Station and is a five-minute train journey from Kyoto city station. It is also just a short walk from the Keihan Electric Railway Main Line.

 For more information on Kyoto, visit  kyoto.travel/en.

-ENDS-

Photo Captions:
Image 1: The highly-celebrated path of orange gates that weaves through the hills from the Fushimi Inari-Taisha Shrine. Image courtesy of KCVB.
Image 2: The sight visitors are greeted with on arrival at the Fushimi Inari-Taisha Shrine. Image courtesy of KCVB.

About KCVB
Kyoto Convention and Visitors Bureau is the official partnership for international tourism representation of the City of Kyoto, Japan. Kyoto's diverse history and reputation as Japan's original capital and cultural centre provide a wealth of opportunities for tour operators and travel agents.  The city is home to the Imperial Palace whilst also being the only place where 'real' geishas can still be seen, its old temples and Zen gardens interspersed with urban living means that Kyoto is a striking contrast of heritage and modern city.  Its location just 25 minutes from Osaka and 2hrs 15 minutes from Tokyo, make it easily accessible from Japan's two main international gateways.

For more information or imagery, please contact:
McCluskey International 
Fiona Anderson / Libby Hughes
T: 020 8747 2170
E: kyoto@mccluskey.co.uk