Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine at Night : From Dusk Till Dawn
The grounds of Fushimi Inari Taisha are open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, so visiting at night is certainly possible. In fact, many people do visit after dark; as someone who lives nearby, I have gone there at night myself on several occasions.
Speaking frankly from my own experience, however, I cannot really recommend a night visit. It is dark underfoot, posing a risk of tripping and falling. If you were already familiar with the paths, you could likely walk them without difficulty even at night. But if you are visiting Fushimi Inari Taisha for the first time, you would be navigating unfamiliar terrain with poor visibility—and things would be even worse if it started to rain.There is also a possibility of getting lost.
however, I also recognize the advantages of visiting at night. With fewer crowds than during the day, you can capture serene and magical photographs. Furthermore, there are not many places in Kyoto that offer free admission at night. Therefore, visiting Fushimi Inari Taisha after spending the day touring museums, theme parks, and other temples makes for a highly efficient itinerary. This article describes the atmosphere at Fushimi Inari Taisha at night for those who are determined to visit after dark.
From 4 PM. to 5 PM.
The Fushimi Inari Taisha shrine office closes at 4:30 PM. The shrine office sells amulets and accepts prayers, so these services have ended.
Souvenir shops and cafe around Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine begin closing around 5:00 PM. However, the restaurant for dinner is still open. The number of tourists does not seem to be decreasing yet.
From 8 PM. to 10 PM.
Nearby restaurants serving dinner close around 8:00 PM. Even in summer, when the sun sets late, it is pitch dark by this time. Yet, the grounds of Fushimi Inari Taisha are still bustling with people.
Streetlights have been installed on the shrine grounds in recent years. However, for those who might think, "It's safe at night because there are streetlights," I would like you to look at the following image. It is a photo I took of the shrine grounds at night.You will realize that a flashlight is necessary.
10 PM. to Midnight
Beyond that time, convenience stores and a few izakaya remain open.Most shops are closed, but tourists can still be seen on the surrounding streets until around 10:00 PM. They appear to be heading to convenience stores or simply strolling aimlessly. They are likely staying at hotels or guesthouses in the Fushimi Inari area. This area is in the suburbs of Kyoto. If you want to enjoy the nightlife, go to Gion. If you are traveling by train, be sure to check the last train times; the last trains at nearby stations depart between 11:00 PM and midnight.
Midnight to 5 AM.
Fushimi Inari Taisha becomes very dark and quiet; hardly anyone is around. There are a few things to keep in mind if you visit at this time. Should you encounter an accident—such as falling or getting lost—it will not be easy to call for help, as there is no one nearby. While you can call for emergency assistance in Japan by dialing 911 on your smartphone, would you be able to accurately explain your location?
You should also be wary of wild animals. Wild boars have been sighted on Mount Inari at night; they tend to become bolder when there are no people around.
5 AM. to 7 AM.
Around 5:00 AM, the first trains of the day begin running at nearby stations. As dawn breaks, the number of worshippers gradually increases. From 7:00 AM onwards, some cafes begin to open. If you are staying in the Fushimi Inari area, visiting during these early morning hours is highly recommended. However, if you plan to visit other sightseeing spots later in the day, be careful not to overexert yourself walking around Fushimi Inari Taisha. If you hike all the way to the summit of Mount Inari, you will likely exhaust all your energy for the day.
Finally
Finally, there is one more thing to note about Fushimi Inari Taisha late at night: the atmosphere is quite dark and eerie, so if you are easily frightened, it is better to visit during the day. The following is a story I heard from a senior student back when I was in school.
As you walk along the path of torii gates at Fushimi Inari Taisha late at night, you might catch sight of a child—around five years old—standing just outside the gates. The child is smiling at you. You might wonder, "Why is a child alone in a place like this so late at night? Do they live in the neighborhood?"
However, you must absolutely not approach that child. You must not step outside the line of torii gates.
As you walk the path, the child will follow you from outside the gates. Yet, by the time you reach the end of the path, the child will be gone.
Visiting Fushimi Inari Taisha at night requires various preparations. I strongly recommend bringing a flashlight.