Seeking for silence in a popular sightseeing spot...

It was my third time to visit "伏見稲荷” (Fushimi Inari Taisha) in Kyoto. For the previous 2 times, I didn't have enough time to spend more in the shrine, and actually didn't want to being surrounded with so many foreign tourists. I prefer quieter and more peaceful time while visiting. 

However "伏見稲荷大社” (Fushimi Inari Taisha) is one of the most popular tourist sites in Kyoto because of its ”千本鳥居” (Senbon Torii). Many people are taking photos of those ”千本鳥居” (Senbon Torii), and sometimes people needs to wait for their turns in a ques to take photos with the background. ”千本鳥居” (Senbon Torii) is very popular for Instagrammers. 

My last visit was on 30th AUG after visiting Ryukoku University for LGBTQ special seminar. Very quick visit. However I could take some beautiful photos for my iPhone photography. It was still hot in weather, and of course many tourists. 

For me, visiting Shrines and Temples are becoming very important day by day in my life. I just need a quiet condition to focus on making prayers for the divine existence worshiped in those shrines and temples. 

So the solution is to visit there very early in the morning. Right after the dawn is the best. 

I wanted to climb Mt. Inari this time which rises behind "伏見稲荷大社” (Fushimi Inari Taisha). I always missed the chance. After catching a train before 6, I was already arriving the shrine passed 7 o'clock. 

My purposes for this visit was not taking photos for my iPhone photography, but it was worth taking some photos because I saw few people in this such early morning time. 

I politely greeted the worshiped Gods at the main shrine, and started to climb up ”稲荷山” (Inariyama). Passing through under ”千本鳥居” (Senbon Torii), I steadily climbed up step by step. Compared to Mt. Miwa, it was more relaxing for me though it has a reputation that very strict spirit guardians keep an watchful eye on visitors. And it was rather welcoming conditions with several shops on the way. In Mt. Miwa, we are never allowed to bring any food and beverage except for water. Very strict because of its holiness. 

Though it is much easier for us to step in the holy area, we better not depend on the God's tolerance, and keep feeling the sense of awe while in the holy mountain. 

It was probably around the point "四ッ辻” (Yotsutsuji), I could see the the view of central Kyoto. Little bit cloudy, but not bad, and I kept waling up to the top "一の峯”(Ichinomine). Before reaching "一の峯”(Ichinomine), I notice two sharp severe looking "稲荷”(Inari) giving a watchful eye on visitors. Since they were placed at higher on the steps to "一の峯”(Ichinomine), their appearance looked more severe. However I felt a sort of friendly affection especially to the right one. 

After climbing down Mt. Inari, 2 very smiley "稲荷”(Inari) welcomed me. They really looked smiling at me, and made me feel that I was welcomed by them for this visit. 

"Thanks, the guardians!"

It was a good visit indeed. 

Before leaving the shrine, I received "朱印” (Shuin) of "伏見稲荷大社” (Fushimi Inari Taisha). Very nice!

Masami