We Out: Japan - Fushimi-Inari Shrine
The GUNNERPHI crew made it to Japan. In the six-part miniseries “We Out: Japan”, we’ll be documenting our big trip overseas including video, music, and photos from Clifford S. Coleman. We out!
After spending our first few days in Tokyo, we made sure to take the bullet train 150 minutes out to the old town of Kyoto. Part of Kyoto’s charm is that it was completely unaffected by the atomic bomb. What you see in this area on a cultural level, is probably the closest we can get to observing Japan’s past. The ancient capital of Japan is still home to thousands of temples and shrines, the most notable of which is the Fushimi Inari-Taisha shrine.
It’s well known for its tall orange gates. The long trail of gates lead all the way to the top of the mountain where you can get a great view of downtown Kyoto. Along the path, there are small displays of armor and artifacts, and previews of the view you will get closer to the top. If you move at a consistent pace, it can take between 45 minutes to an hour to reach the mountain’s peak. It can be a daunting task at that altitude and with large steps that are less than perfect. Many travelers quit at different points. Should you decide to stick it out, I have a few tips:
1) start early
We arrived at the shrine in the late afternoon, with the sun already setting. That certainly had an impact on our weather issues. More than anything, it affected the views of the hike and the hike itself. Remember, this is an ancient structure. It is not meant to be done in the dark as there are no lights. We struggled navigating our way back down to the ground in the darkness. We may also have gotten a better view from the top had we been able to see it in the sunlight. The view was not bad, but I imagine it’s a different experience during the day.
2) prepare for the shift in weather
Dress in layers. The weather was cool on the ground, but as we worked through the hike, we heated up and ended up wearing just undershirts. The moment we reached the ground though, temperatures had dropped noticeably, and we were underdressed (and shivering) as we waited for the rest of our party.
3) bring water and a snack
Your total time trekking this monument can amount to more than two hours, with no access to basic amenities along the way. There is a convenience store across the street, you’ll want to get some sustenance there beforehand if you haven’t eaten already.
If you make it to Japan, do your best to spend some time in Kyoto, and know that the Fushimi Inari-Taisha shrine is a must-see in this historic town.
