Inari is just 2 stops from Kyoto on the local train so its quick and easy to get to. I head off to Kyoto station by bus. Then, I leave my heavy bag at the train station- for $4-5 you can get a locker or check your bag into the bag storage on the lower level. Next, I hop on the local train and head out.

Now the fun begins! So many red gates!

There is a big hill to walk up. All lined with gates!

Don’t worry, old ladies with canes can make it up- so can you!

I took a side trip to check out some memorials where the locals leave offerings for their ancestors.

Maybe I got too far off track because once I got to the top there was no gate. Just an old billboard frame & a view of the city. No matter. On the way back down I found wonderful sights like Buddah’s mother & kittens!

I ducked off the path again and found it. A four foot high stone temple covered with white fox figurines.

And also a place for ‘Writing Your Hope’. I have seen many of these places in the temples of Japan and they usually instruct the worshiper to light a candle for luck or good fortune or love or health. Some are very specific; safe traveling, good exams, happy attitude, etc. But this one was wide open, what did I hope for?

Instead, I left a small offering and took one of the tiny fox figurines in a bowl nearby.

They had a little string on them, like cell phone charms.

Writing my hope, Fushimi – Inari.

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