One of Kyoto’s most iconic shrines, Fushimi Inari Taisha is beloved for its vibrant vermilion torii gate tunnels that stretch from the base of the complex, across the hillsides, and up to the mountaintop. While the grounds are atmospheric on any given day, they become even more magical during the Motomiya-sai Festival in summer.
This festival brings together Inari Shrine devotees from across Japan for two days of prayers and celebrations. At 6pm on Sunday July 19, thousands of lanterns will light up the grounds, from the main shrine at the foothills to the vivid orange torii tunnels winding up Mt. Inari. You’ll find ornate stone, wood and beautifully painted paper lanterns illuminating the grounds after dark.
On Monday July 20, the festivities kick off at 9am. There will be a variety of cultural performances, including taiko drum and traditional dance, to entertain devotees who come to the shrine to perform prayers and give thanks.