Tips for walking around Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
If you walk around Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine without any specific purpose, you may get lost. The area is densely populated with narrow streets. There are two train tracks and a small canal.
Often when you leave the maze-like path, you end up stranded in front of the water. So, it’s best to believe that “narrow roads lead to dead ends” and stick to the main roads where cars travel.
In front of the main entrance of Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine, there is a traditional road called "Honmachi Street" extending from north to south. Walk 100 meters north from the main entrance and you will reach the intersection of east-west roads.
This road is called "Urasando (back road)". The back door of Fushimi Inari can be accessed to the east. Head west, across the canal, and continue to Fushimi Inari Private Train Station.
The streets are lined with various shops catering to tourists; while some sell overpriced, low-quality goods, there are also spots that locals love to frequent for leisure.
From a local's perspective, there are actually better options—places where the quality may not be top-tier, but the value is excellent. I have long wanted to introduce these great spots to everyone.