Kyoto

New Year at Fushimi Inari Shrine

Join the crowds at this popular Kyoto Shrine

Cathy Cawood Dec 27, 2014 - 1 min read

<p>People crowding under the big red torii</p>

<p>One of many beautiful metal lanterns hanging in the shrine buildings</p>

<p>Wooden ema and ropes of paper cranes  </p>

<p>It's crowded but the atmosphere is festive</p>

<p>Ring the bell, clap your hands, and bow before you pray</p>

<p>Bunches of rice stalks with the grain still attached hang from the shimenawa rope</p>

<p>Fortune papers tied to a railing fence</p>

<p>Cakes of pounded rice made for New Year</p>

<p>The torii tunnel looks mysterious in the lantern light</p>

If you get the chance to visit Fushimi Inari at New Year, you definitely should go! It will be extremely crowded, but the atmosphere is wonderful and there are so many interesting things to see! People pray for the coming year, buy a fortune paper, and maybe a snack from one of the food stalls. If you visit in the evening, it's fun to climb the hill through the tunnel of lantern lit torii, and see candles burning on small altars.

More info

Find out more about Fushimi Inari Taisha.

Cathy Cawood @cathy.cawood

I came to Japan in 2003 to teach English. I lived in Shiga prefecture for 1 year, and it still holds a special place in my heart. I lived in Kyoto for 9 years, then moved to Machida, Tokyo in 2014 after meeting my Japanese partner. I love to take photos, and my Japan in Pictures Facebook page ha...