Written by Julie Yamamoto, AJSQ Committee Member
Whilst Autumn has now passed and parts of Japan are covered in snow, I wanted to share my recent journey to Kyoto to enjoy ‘koyou’ or ‘the Autumn Leaves’. Whilst I had previously lived in Japan for almost 15 years and travelled to Kyoto about 20 times, it was my first time to Fushimi Inari Taisha (shrine). And it didn’t disappoint. I had seen pictures of Fushimi Inari Taisha, and in particular the ‘torii’ gates on many occasions but to be there in person was one worth the journey.
One of my Australian colleagues led the way – I think we all have expertise in various regions of Japan, and I must say his expertise is definitely in Kyoto! We started on flat ground marvelling at the main spiritual buildings, and then he led us up Mt Inari through the winding trails and the hundreds of metres of the vibrant orange ‘torii’ gates. I heard there are about 10,000 of the orange gates and each one of them represents a donation made by individuals or businesses to the shrine. By contributing to a torii gate, locals show appreciation for blessings received, and/or are seeking good fortunes for the future.
There was so much to explore on the way which was a welcome distraction from the steep incline. Exploring the shrine revealed a rich tapestry of rituals and customs, prominently featuring the revered fox statues. These statues, known as ‘kitsune,’ represent the messengers of Inari, the Shinto deity of rice and prosperity.
It was crowded up until halfway through our ascent and gradually there were less people the higher, we got. I found the second half of the ascent to be highly rewarding – there was space to take it all in and marvel at the long lines of orange gates welcoming us through the beauty of the mountain side and eventually to the top where we took in our accomplishment.
We then made our descent – we took careful steps down the pathway on the other side of the mountain – it was another opportunity to breath in the spirituality of the surrounding area and to reflect on the meaning of the shrine and the torii gates to the local Kyoto community. We stopped halfway for ice cream (like everyone else), and then continued our way. We waved goodbye and then it was time to explore our next destination in Kyoto.