Ten Thousand Gates - Part 2

Fushimi Inari Shrine - Part 2
Kyoto, Japan
October 8, 2014


On the way back, the scenery was just as captivating. I stopped at souvenir shop to buy a mini torii gate keychain. The woman who sold it to me created sparks over the keychain by striking two stones together. I suppose it's a way of blessing it with luck. Then she neatly wrapped it in paper and handed it to me with a nod.

Heading back down the mountain trail of Fushimi Inari Shrine

Another groundskeeper keeping the surroundings clean

Another worship area with stone buddhas

At the end of the trail and tucked inside a residential area is this golden buddha

We were joined by students and several tourists at Fushimi Inari Shrine. Most notable of the visitors were two young ladies dressed in kimonos. I guess it's common to find visiting locals donned in the traditional garb. It's their way of personalizing their pilgrimage and capturing memorable photos. Some go to the extent of renting the complete outfit. More info on kimono rentals here.

The kimono-clad ladies stood out from the crowd. No, they are not geishas.

I'm photo-bombing these local ladies dressed in kimonos.

It took time and patience to get this shot of the entrance without too many tourists in the way.

This tourist site was very easy to access by train. Through these pictures you'll see how Kyoto seems more rural than Tokyo. Even the train station looks more modest.

Helpful directions posted on the wall of the train station.

Waiting for our train at the Fushimi-Inari Station

Drawings of foxes on the platform signage caught my eye.

This story is a continuation of the blog post Ten Thousand Gates - Part 1. 


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