Next to Buddhism, Shinto (or Shintoïsm) is the most important religion in Japan. Shinto translates as the way of the Gods / Spirits. Shinto temples are easily recognized by there bright orange colour (officially: vermillion red) and torii (gates).

Fushimi Inari-taishi is one of the most important Shinto shrines in Japan. It consists of five shrines, build on a side of Mount Inari. Those are linked by a ? kilometer path, from beginning to end covered in  about a thousand torii. These gates attract millions of tourists each year. Come early, if you want to take people-free pictures !

The temple is also known for its statues of foxes.  The fox is considered the messenger of the Gods / Spirits. Some foxes  hold in their mouth a key, a symbol for the protection of the rice granaries.