Easy hikes and walks in Japan

Fushimi Inari-Taisha, Kyoto 伏見稲荷大社 The Fushimi Inari-Taisha 伏見稲荷大社, also known as Oinari-san, is a Shinto shrine in the Fushimi ward of Kyoto. It is dedicated to the kami Inari and is the head shrine of about one-third of all Inari shrines in Japan. It is one of the oldest and most famous Shinto shrines in Kyoto. Furthermore, it also counts the most visitors of all Shinto shrines in Japan, especially during New Year (cf. Hatsumōde) and on uma no hi in February, the Japanese Day of the Horse, when the shrine has hosted the Hatsu-uma-matsuri since 708 – celebrated by all Inari shrines. However, at Fushimi Inari-Taisha it is called Hatsu-uma-tai-sha and lasts a full 21 days. The avenues of thousands of orange torii on the grounds of Fushimi Inari-Taisha are particularly famous, all of which are donations from individuals, families, or companies. They lead up a hill, at the top of which, unusually for a Shinto shrine, the holiest sanctuary (in this case a mirror) is publicly visible. Fushimi Inari-Taisha is one of the few shrines (called tanritsu-jinja) that did not join the newly founded umbrella organization Jinja Honchō ("Association of Shinto Shrines") after the end of the war. Characteristic of all Inari shrines are the fox statues (messengers of the deity Inari), which usually have red bibs around their necks and the so-called Dharma key or a wish jewel in their mouths. These objects symbolize the magical-religious power of the foxes. Text / Source : wikipedia.org https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fushimi_Inari-Taisha

Fushimi Inari Shrine, Kyoto 伏見稲荷大社 The Fushimi Inari Shrine (伏見稲荷大社, Fushimi Inari Taisha) is a significant Shinto shrine in southern Kyoto. It is famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates that wind up a network of trails behind the main buildings. The trails lead into the wooded slopes of the sacred Mount Inari, which is 233 meters high and part of the shrine grounds. Fushimi Inari is the most important of several thousand shrines dedicated to Inari, the Shinto god of rice. Foxes are considered messengers of Inari, leading to many fox statues on the shrine grounds. The Fushimi Inari Shrine has ancient origins, predating the capital's move to Kyoto in 794. Text / Source : japan-guide.com https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3915.html

Burg Himeji 姫路城 Himeji-jō Himeji Castle (Japanese 姫路城, Himeji-jō) is located in the city of Himeji in the Japanese prefecture of Hyōgo. It is one of the oldest surviving structures from 17th-century Japan. The castle complex, consisting of 83 individual buildings, is considered the most beautiful example of Japanese castle architecture and is nicknamed Shirasagijō (白鷺城, Ger. "White Heron Castle"), a reference to its white exterior walls and roofs. Despite its architectural beauty, such as its spiral floor plan, its defensive structures (nawabari) are highly developed, so the castle was considered practically impregnable. Himeji Castle is one of Japan's national cultural treasures, was declared a Special Historic Site (tokubetsu shiseki) in 1956, and was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993. The first buildings of the castle were constructed at the beginning of the Muromachi period in 1346. The architect is considered to be Akamatsu Sadanori, who had previously built the Shomyoji Temple at the foot of Mount Himeji, on whose site the castle complex now arose. Text / Source : wikipedia.org https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burg_Himeji

Himeji Castle 姫路城 Himeji-jō Himeji Castle (Japanese 姫路城, Himeji-jō) is located in the city of Himeji in the Japanese prefecture of Hyōgo. It is one of the oldest surviving structures from 17th-century Japan. The castle complex, consisting of 83 individual buildings, is considered the most beautiful example of Japanese castle architecture and has the nickname Shirasagijō (白鷺城, meaning "White Heron Castle"), an allusion to its white outer walls and roofs. Despite its architectural beauty, such as its spiral floor plan, its defensive structures (nawabari) are highly developed, making the castle practically impregnable. Himeji Castle is one of Japan's national cultural treasures, was declared a Special Historic Site (tokubetsu shiseki) in 1956, and was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993. The first buildings of the castle were constructed at the beginning of the Muromachi period in 1346. The architect is considered to be Akamatsu Sadanori, who had previously built the Shomyoji Temple at the foot of Mount Himeji, on whose site the castle complex now stands. Text / Source: wikipedia.org https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burg_Himeji

Himeji Castle 姫路城 Himeji-jō Himeji Castle (Japanese: 姫路城, Himeji-jō) is located in the city of Himeji in the Japanese prefecture of Hyōgo. It is one of the oldest surviving structures from 17th-century Japan. The castle complex, consisting of 83 individual buildings, is considered the most beautiful example of Japanese castle architecture and has the nickname Shirasagijō (白鷺城, lit. "White Heron Castle"), an allusion to its white exterior walls and roofs. Despite its architectural beauty, such as its spiral floor plan, its defensive structures (nawabari) are highly developed, so the castle was considered practically impregnable. Himeji Castle is one of Japan's national cultural treasures, was declared a Special Historic Site (tokubetsu shiseki) in 1956, and was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993. The first buildings of the castle were constructed at the beginning of the Muromachi period in 1346. The architect is considered to be Akamatsu Sadanori, who had previously built the Shomyoji Temple at the foot of Mount Himeji, on whose site the castle complex now stands. Text / Source: wikipedia.org https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burg_Himeji

Burg Himeji 姫路城 Himeji-jō Himeji Castle (Japanese: 姫路城, Himeji-jō) is located in the city of Himeji in the Japanese prefecture of Hyōgo. It is one of the oldest surviving structures from 17th-century Japan. The castle complex, consisting of 83 individual buildings, is considered the most beautiful example of Japanese castle architecture and bears the nickname Shirasagijō (白鷺城, German for "White Heron Castle"), an allusion to its white exterior walls and roofs. Despite its architectural beauty, such as its spiral floor plan, its defensive structures (nawabari) are highly developed, making the castle practically impregnable. Himeji Castle is one of Japan's national cultural treasures, was declared a Special Historic Site (tokubetsu shiseki) in 1956, and was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993. The first buildings of the castle were constructed at the beginning of the Muromachi period in 1346. The architect is considered to be Akamatsu Sadanori, who had previously built the Shomyoji Temple at the foot of Mount Himeji, on whose site the castle complex now stands. Text / Source: wikipedia.org https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burg_Himeji

It spans the Katsura River and its name translates to "Moon Crossing Bridge." From here, there is a beautiful view of the mountains surrounding Arashiyama.

The Kimono Forest is located right next to the train station. From there, you can easily take the Randen train back to the city. The train consists of only two carriages and is very colorful and playfully designed – with comics and cheerful motifs. I don't remember exactly what was on it, but it has a typically Japanese and very original feel. The Japanese love such charming, creative details. I would definitely recommend this train instead of taking the often overcrowded bus, which takes over an hour for the journey.