A G R A C EFUL AND T R AD I T I O NAL C IT Y
K
yoto is considered the cultural capital of Japan and was formerly the country’s capital between 794 and 1868. Today it is a major tourist destination, home to numerous Buddhist temples, Shinto shrines, palaces and gardens, 17 of which are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Kyoto is also famous for its tofu, kaiseki cuisine and Buddhist vegetarian fare.
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REVERED SHRINE SHOWCASES TRADITION Fushimi Inari Taisha shrine, one of Japan’s most famous Shinto shrines, is a mere 5-minute train ride south from Kyoto Station. In Japan, it is sacred to the deity Inari, the god of agriculture, industry, general prosperity, and worldly success. The messenger of Inari is a fox, so shrines devoted to Inari usually feature of foxes. Fushimi Inari Taisha is the head shrine of the more than 30,000 Inari shrines spread across Japan, and its history stretches back about 1,300 years, to the Nara period, when Japan actively imported Chinese civilization. For many years, the Japanese have made pilgrimages to such shrines to hope for a fertile harvest, successful
business affairs, family safety, or various other desires. Be prepared to be awestruck by the Senbon Torii, thousands of gleaming vermilion torii, the traditional Japanese gates that mark major Inari shrines. This Instagram-friendly spot will lead you up to the crest of the shrine’s mountain, where you can gaze out on a panoramic view of Kyoto. By climbing and descending this sacred path, with its brilliant red gates dappled by sunlight through the trees, you will connect with the essence of the Japanese spirit, full of tranquility and respect. CALM RETREAT TO RURIKOIN If you’re looking for the perfect getaway from the bustling crowds in Kyoto, Rurikoin Temple is a
