Inari - Blogabond

Went to Inari today, to visit the Fushimi-Inari Taisha, the famous shrine trademarked by its hundreds of Torii, lined up along the path.

Just a short distance from the Inari station the shrine area begins and it looks just like other shrines at first. This changes, however, once you start you tour around the mountain. Literally hundreds of Torii are lined up, marking the path you take.

More torii

The beginning is easy enough and you soon reach another shrine site:

Light at the end of the tunnel

Inari map

These stones (the ones on the lanterns) where there as well. They are called the Heavy-light stones and after you make you wish you lift them. If they are light the wish will be granted. They are of medium weight, a divine shrug, I guess.
And off you go, following the path marked in the map above (but really, just follow the red gates). As you goal is on top of a mountain, the usual sight will be something like this:

And torii again

Oh and there are lots of steps, believe me.
From time to time you come across a rest place or a spiritual site with lots of Toriis and statues.
Pictures: