The main entrance gate

The shrine sits on the side of Inari mountain, physical manifestation of the spiritual essence of the god Inari in Shinto belief.

The main shrine, through which one enters the path leading to and through the vast number of torii and on to the inner shrine

Foxes guard the entryway. They are considered messengers of the god Inari. The key in the fox's mouth is a symbolic key to the granaries that store rice.

Not real geisha! Kimonos are available for rent in Japanese cities (as are samurai outfits for men) and seem to be quite popular with both local and foreign visitors.

The inner shrine area within the larger shrine itself

The main gate again. Our sincere thanks to our volunteer guide, Mukai Osamu of Goodwill Guide on Kyoto Handicraft and Historical Sites (GGKH), for his friendly and most helpful assistance in getting us to and from the shrine and in helping guide us through it.