Tucked at the foot of Mount Inari in south Kyoto, Fushimi Inari Taisha is this amazing Shinto shrine dedicated to Inari, the god of rice and prosperity. It's been around since 711 AD and is known for its thousands of bright red torii gates.

Those gates, donated by people and businesses hoping for good luck, wind up the 233-metre mountain in these cool, tunnel-like paths. Walking through them feels almost magical, with the forest all around you.

You'll see little sub-shrines and stone foxes, Inari's messengers, often holding keys or rice in their mouths. The place has a peaceful, spiritual vibe, with locals praying or tying fortune papers to branches.

Get there just before sunrise to avoid the crowds, as the lower paths can get busy by midday. You’ll want that quiet to really take it all in.

Plan for two to three hours if you're hiking to the top and back, since it’s a bit of a climb with steep steps. Wear comfy shoes and bring water for the trek.

The upper trails aren’t lit at night, so skip evening hikes unless you’ve got a torch. You could swing by the Fushimi sake breweries nearby for a fun extra stop.

During busy seasons like autumn or cherry blossoms, aim for a weekday for a calmer visit. It makes the whole experience feel more special.

If you're here in the first few days of January you may witness throngs of people visiting - the first shrine visit of the year. 08 April also marks an annual festival, the Sangyo-Sai with lots of dances and offerings.

The shrine’s open 24/7, with no entry fee. The main hall and shops are usually staffed from 9 AM to 5 PM.