Walk on pilgrimage course

The Pilgrimage Route of
　　　　　　Fushimiinari Shrine

Hiking the pilgrimage course of the Fushimiinari mountain can be the most interesting and comfortable time of your trip in Japan. A large number of the Torii gates lined along the Fushimiinari mountain pilgrimage course. These Torii gates are constructed with the donation from the common people from all over Japan. The names of these donators are engraved on the back side of the Torii gates. If you walk towards the deeper part of the Fushimiinari mountain, you will come to the fork of the road. The following two paths are named Senbon-Torii, meaning a thousand of Torii gates. Both paths lead to the same place, the Okunoin (The inner shrine). You can find the medium-size stones named Omokaru-Isi at the Okunoin. Omokaru-Isi means a heavy or light stone. If you felt this stone is lighter than you thought, the legend says you'll live a fortunate life. The Okunoin is not the last destination of the pilgrimage course of the Fushimiinari mountain. This is actually the starting point of the upper Fushimiinari mountain pilgrimage course. If you are wearing hiking shoes and have ample time, you may want to continue up the Fushimiinari mountain pilgrimage course. This is known as 'Oyama Meguri' (mountain tour) in Japanese. There are many small shrines in the mountain blanketed with mysterious spiritual aura

If you need the above map, please click here.

The best hiking or pilgrimage course is drawn in bold yellow line on the map. Public restrooms are available along the way from Okunoin to Shinike, and at Yotutuji, you can have light meals such as Soba and Udon.
It takes about a 10-minute walk from Okunoin to Shin-Ike. Shin means new, and Ike means pond in Japanese. So Shin-Ike means the new pond. This pond was constructed in 1603 AD for agricultural use. Shin-Ike is also known as Kodama-ga-Ike where Kodama means echo.

To pray at the Honden of Fushimiinari Shrine is not the ultimate goal. From the ancient times, men and women of all ages have come to the Fushimiinari shrine to pray at the main hall, but also to hike further up to the top of the Fushimiinari mountain. People say this is "doing the mountain stuff" (Oyamasuru). The path to the top of the Fushimiinari mountain is generally not as steep as the other mountain roads, but a section of it is also a part of the Kyoto-Higashiyama-Trail. So this section may also be pretty steep. The top of the mountain is Yotutuji (The crossroad). There are food stalls where you can have light meal like the Udon. You can also enjoy the spectacular view of the southern part of Kyoto from there. In the olden days, the people who came here were only the aficionados of Fushimiinari or the athletes who trained to strengthen their legs’ stamina. But recently, foreign travelers are expanding their travel to visit here and are enjoying the view.
Spot	Article
Neagari Matsu (Pine with exposed roots)	This pine is called "Hizamatsu San" (Mr. knee pine). It is believed to be able to heal the neuralgia of lower back and the knee. Both root and the price are pronounced similarly in Japanese as "Ne". The rising root is believed to be connected with the rise in prices. Thus, stock trading persons frequently visit this pine to pray for financial gain.
Takeno Shitamichi (Under pass of the bamboos)	Takeno Shitamichi (Under pass of the bamboos) Off the main route to the mountains, you can go up to the Shinpou Shrine which is on the opposite lane to the Neagari Matsu. This Shinpou Shrine inherits the genealogical construction style of the old shrine since the Heian Period (from 794 AD). In front of the shrine, there is the following short song written by Sakino Kannpaku Dajyodaijin. Fukakusa ya Takeno Sitamichi Wakesugite 　　　　Fushiminikakaru Yuki no Akebono When going through the snowy lane under the bamboos 　　I find the break of daylight in the Fushimi area. Although the most famous bamboo forest of Kyoto is Arashiyama, the bamboo forest of Fukakusa is also amazing. The bamboo shoots dug up during the morning of the seasonal period are available for sale at many storefronts in Fukakusa.
Shin Ike (New Pond)	This pond is also called "Kodama (Echo) Pond". Legend says that if people clap their hands towards the pond, their wish is fulfilled in the direction where the echo returns.
Yotsutsuji (Crossroad)	Because of its splendid view, this place is called "Mituke no Mine" (Fine view peak point). Until 1955's, we could see the Osaka castle from here because of the clear air and absence of skyscrapers. We can relax and enjoy the splendid view with some light meals available from the stalls here.
Koujin ga Mine (The Peak of violent destructive deity)	After walking up on the left side of Yotutuji for ten minutes, you will arrive at Koujin ga Mine, You can then see the Atago mountain on the left, the Hiei mountain on the right and the whole of Kyoto city in the front. The huge torii gate here is put up every year on July for the Hongu festival. Many travelers visit here just before the sunset to enjoy the night view of the twinkling lights of the city.
Ganriki Sya (Shrinr fo eyesight)	The shrine in which we pray for the healing of the eye disease and health of eyesight.
Yakuriki Sya (Shrine of medicine power)	The shrine in which we pray for a life free of the need of medicinal care.
Osekisya (Shrine for cough)	The shrine in which we pray for the healing and health of one's throat system. Belief of a throat system
Seimeisya (Shrine of Immaculate)	Purification ceremony school of the god of Fushimiinari Shrine
Icinomine (The 1^stpeak of Inari mountain)	Kaminoyasiro Shinseki(Aincient shrine place of Kaminoyashiro)
Ninomine (The 2^ndpeak of Inari mountain)	Nakanoyashiro Shinseki Aokisya Aoki ookami(Great God)
Sinomine	Inada Shinsek Inada yashiro Ise Ookami
Sannomine (The 3^rdpeak of mountain)	Sannomine Shimonoyashiro Shinseki Shiragikusya Shiragiku Ookami
Inariyama(Inari mountain)	Inariyama is the southernmost peak of the 36 Higashiyama peaks. So it is aptly called the 36^th Higashiyama peak.

Thanks to Mr. D.M.