Kinsatsugu, Shinto shrine in Japan
Kinsatsugu is a Shinto shrine in Fushimi-ku built on a mountain and threaded with thousands of bright red torii gates. The grounds feature a large entrance gate called the Romon Gate, a main hall for offerings and prayer, and extensive trails that wind through forests and across the mountainside.
The shrine was founded in 711 AD, making it over 1300 years old. The large entrance gate was donated by the military leader Toyotomi Hideyoshi, marking its role as a center for prayers about harvests, business success, and personal wishes throughout the centuries.
The shrine honors Inari, the god of rice and prosperity, whose messengers in Japanese tradition are foxes. This spiritual connection is visible throughout the grounds in fox statues and the red torii gates that visitors donate to express their devotion and wishes.
Wear comfortable shoes for the walking trails that climb the mountainside. Rest areas are scattered along the pathways between the gates, and tree cover provides shade throughout, making it easy to take your time and explore at a comfortable pace.
Each of the thousands of red torii gates carries the donor's name and donation date on its back, creating a living record of generosity that grows over time. This expanding network means the pathway changes subtly with each visit, making every walk through the shrine a slightly different experience.
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