Fushimi Inari

We saved what might be the most Instagramed spot in Kyoto for our last day.

This is the head shrine of the 30,000 shrines nation wide. It was founded in 711, and dedicated to Inari Okami, deity of rice, agriculture, and business prosperity. Businesses buy/donated the gates with the hope it will make them prosperous. The custom originated in the Edo period, when the Tokugawas ruled. In addition, there are statues of foxes throughout the shrine, as Inari is associated with the fox.

Tourist-wise, as I mentioned, it's famous for its thousands of bright orange torii gates, an Instagram mecca.

Also known for wild boars and monkeys, but we didn't see any. Far too many people. We arrived before 8:00, and when we left around 10, you could barely walk through the crush of people coming in.Read more