A late-night hike up the Fushimi Inari Shrine trail, into the serene mystery.

Climbing the Fushimi Inari Shrine trail late at night offers a mystical atmosphere different from the daytime. During the day, it's bustling with tourists, but as the sun sets, the trail becomes quieter, allowing you to walk alone in tranquility. As you pass through hundreds of torii gates, the only sounds you hear are the wind and your footsteps, making you feel as if you've entered a mysterious world. As you climb higher in the darkness, you'll be rewarded with a stunning view of Kyoto's nightscape from the summit. However, since it's less crowded and not well-lit at night, it's best to proceed with caution. Inari is known as the deity of rice, prosperity, and commerce in Japanese Shinto. Especially during the agricultural era, Inari was a crucial figure for the Japanese people. There are over 30,000 Inari shrines across Japan, with Fushimi Inari Shrine being the most famous and representative. The fox, a symbol of the shrine, is considered Inari's messenger, bridging the divine and human worlds. Thus, you'll find fox statues and fox-faced charms throughout the shrine. Near Fushimi Inari Shrine is the Tofukuji Temple, one of the largest temples in Japan, where you can admire beautiful gardens and traditional Japanese architecture. In autumn, the temple is a popular spot for viewing stunning fall foliage. Tofukuji is about a 15-minute walk from Fushimi Inari Shrine, making it a pleasant place for a stroll after visiting the shrine. Additionally, the view from Tofukuji's Tsutenkyo Bridge offers a breathtaking glimpse of Kyoto's natural beauty, making it highly recommended.