Welcome to Kyoto

Fushimi Inari Shrine

When thinking of Kyoto, tourists automatically think of the Fushimi Inari Shrine. The approximately 5,000 orange shrine arches are impressive and invite you to an idyllic walk through the greenery. Below, right at the station, there is an impressive temple complex. After 10:00 am, all souvenir shops and food stands open. The shrine itself can be entered 24 hours a day. You can choose between a day or night hike by candlelight.

The climb to the top is not only an attraction for tourists. Every day, Japanese people pilgrimage up the path and perform their ritual at each shrine. The ritual is intended to bring prosperity to the whole family. Although it may look special at first, it is very important for many Japanese people. There are several rest areas with seating on the way up. The stairs are sacred to the Japanese, sitting and drinking on the pilgrimage route are prohibited. It is recommended to bring a towel, as the climb can be quite sweaty, especially in the summer at 31°C.

What many tourists do not know is that this shrine, including the temple, was built in the 8th century to honor the rice and sake god Inari. All the foxes on the pilgrimage path look the same. The one on the left carries a scroll on which a sake recipe is supposed to be written, and the one on the right carries a ball, which is said to be the key to the cereal storage. The only exception are the two statues at the temple. The one on the left carries a rice branch and the one on the right carries the key. The Fushimi Inari Shrine is the main shrine of over 40,000 others throughout Japan. For the ritual purification before praying, almost every shrine has a washing station. These are adorned with various statues. First, you pour water over your left hand, then your right hand, and finally both hands at the same time with an upward movement of the ladle.

Gion District

The Gion District is the official geisha district in Kyoto. The geishas enchant with their splendidly patterned garments. The geishas enjoy certain advantages in their district. It is always necessary to avoid a geisha on the street, as it is almost impossible for the geisha to avoid others herself (a garment weighs about 20 kg).

Nishiki Ichiba Market

The Nishiki Ichiba Market is the largest market in Kyoto. It consists of market stalls as well as clothing stores, supermarkets and arcades. In the immediate vicinity, there are many well-known clothing stores such as G-Star, Armani, Louis Vuitton, and Chanel. If you love shopping, you should not miss this district.