Fushimi Inari Shrine is the most famous of several thousands of shrines dedicated to Inari, the god of rice. The many fox statues that can be found there are the messengers of Inari. Fushimi Inari Shrine is located at the base of a mountain also named Inari, and includes trails up the mountain to many smaller shrines. Merchants and manufacturers worship Inari for wealth and over the years they have donated the countless thousands of torii gates that line footpaths. These tunnels of brilliant vermillion are one of the most memorable scenes to be found in Kyoto.

Photo: Jeff Laitila