varjohaltia | Japan, April 7th: Fushimi-Inari Taisha

After a run around Fushimi, where cherry blossoms were nearing their peak, and a brief stop at Kyoto station and the Kamogawa, I spent the rest of the day exploring the Fushimi-Inari Taisha, one of my favorite spots in Kyoto.

I'm not entirely sure why I like it as much as I do; I'm hoping it's because while it does have plenty of Shinto trappings, it fundamentally is a fairly quiet and pleasant loop around a mountain. Indeed, times I tend to enjoy the most are when I get to quietly enjoy one of the tucked-away sub-shrines and listen to the sounds of nature.

There were a few spots, both on the mountain and near the valley entrance where cherry blossoms were in bloom, but all in all this is one shrine that is not gaining any fame as a cherry blossom viewing location. Instead, it has to settle for being the most important shrine to the most important Shinto deity.

The vermilion gates (torii) lining the paths as well as the myriad of shrines do offer a good contrast between humanity and nature, and humanity's attempt to come to grips with nature.

Once the sun began to set, I returned to Fushimi to wander along the canals and make a quick pass by the Choken-ji temple. All in all, a very pleasant day.