Kyoto/Osaka Trip, Day One - October 8, 2020

We decided to take a much needed vacation this weekend. We took the Shinkansen (Japanese bullet train) to Kyoto and stayed at a hotel near the station. Due to COVID the hotel was not leaving amenities (shampoo, conditioner, lotion, etc.) in the room. Instead they gave them to us in individual packages...one package for each person for each day we were staying at the hotel. I had to wonder how much shampoo did they think we go through in a day? Gotta love the Japanese hospitality!

After dropping our bags off at the hotel we immediately headed out for some sightseeing. It was raining when we arrived so we wanted to pick an activity that could hold up to the weather. We chose the Fushimi Inari Shrine. The shrine is known for its ~10,000 vermillion torii gates. Since the gates are colorful and we would be viewing them up close it sounded like a perfect option given the weather.

Upon arrival we were greeted by this playful fox. There is a rice plant in his mouth as he brings a good harvest.

The fox is considered Inari's messenger so there are lots of different fox statues to admire. One holds a ball that contains the gods' blessings. Another holds the key to a warehouse filled with rice. Yet another (not shown) holds a scroll symbolizing knowledge.

Shortly after entering the grounds we passed through the Romon Gate. It is believed to have been built in 1589.

Due to the weather, we practically had the place to ourselves.

Cast iron Japanese lanterns are one of the many items I have become obsessed with while here. I enjoyed admiring all of the different styles hanging from one of the buildings.

We found a small house with a mare and foal inside. A google search later and I learned people used to donate horses to the shrine as a way a wishing for good weather and harvests.

It was time to begin the climb up the mountain through the tunnel created but the Torii gates.

A short while later we reached the Sanbon Torii (translation: 1000 Torii gates). It's not very accurate since there are over 10,000 gates on the path, but whose counting?

The gates are vermillion red, a color symbolizing spirituality. The color is created by mixing red clay and mercury. It also acts as a wood preservative.

Each gate was donated by someone and is engraved with their name and address on the left and the date their wish was granted on the right.

There is something calming about walking through the repetitive vermillion tunnel.

At one point, we detoured down a side trail that led to multiple small shrines and Torii gates.

I found this pretty toad lily growing on the side of the path.

Unfortunately, we felt the need to turn around before we made it to the top of the mountain. It was starting to get dark and we didn't want to try to work our way down the steps/slope at night.

While it is unfortunate that it was raining, I am kinda grateful for the rain. This is a really popular shrine that is typically packed with people yet we hardly saw anyone. We greatly appreciated and enjoyed the experience.

We found a cool tapas style steak place near our hotel for dinner before calling it a night.