The torii gates at Fushimi Inari: how many, why they’re there, and gate etiquette

In short: There are ~10,000 torii gates (vermilion-painted wooden arches) tunnelling up the mountain. Each was donated by a business or individual and inscribed with the donor’s name on the back. The famous Senbon Torii (literally "thousand gates") are the twin rows of closely-packed gates at the base. Etiquette: walk the edges of the path, not the centre — the middle is for the kami (gods).

Total gates~10,000

Famous sectionSenbon Torii ('thousand gates') at base

Gate materialVermilion-painted wood

Why donatedBusiness prosperity, Inari blessings

What's on the backDonor's name and date

Where to walkEdges of path, not centre

Why so many gates?

Each torii is a donation from a business, shop owner, or individual seeking blessings from Inari, the kami of rice, sake, business, and prosperity. For centuries, people have left gates as offerings. A torii is both a marker of sacred boundary and a memorial to the giver. Walking under them is a form of prayer or gratitude. Over time, thousands accumulated, creating the iconic tunnel effect.

The Senbon Torii

The most famous section is the Senbon Torii ("thousand gates"), the twin rows of closely-packed vermilion gates at the base, just beyond the Main Hall. You walk through them in about 10 minutes. They’re dense, atmospheric, and the most photographed part of Fushimi Inari. Many visitors do just this section and leave — it’s still worthwhile, though the full mountain climb gives you the actual scale of the pilgrimage.

Gate donations: the inscriptions on the back

Turn around and look at the back of any gate. You’ll see black characters painted on the wood: a business name, a personal name, and a date. These are donors who contributed to the shrine, often seeking blessing for their restaurant, shop, or family business. The oldest gates date back 200+ years. It’s a living record of Tokyo and Kyoto business culture, one gate at a time.

Torii gate etiquette: walk the edges

A torii marks a threshold between the mundane world and the sacred realm of the gods. When passing under one, stand to the side (left or right) rather than the centre. The middle of the path is reserved for the kami. This isn’t folklore — it’s the actual Shinto practice. Most visitors don’t know this, so they clog the centre, but if you walk the edges, you’re observing proper etiquette. At the very first gate, a light bow is customary.

Photographing the gates

The Senbon Torii at sunrise or early morning, before crowds, is a photographer’s dream. The vermilion gates glow in slanting light, and few people obscure the tunnel. Go early. The night lantern-lit section is also stunning, but more crowded with Instagram tourists in evenings.

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Frequently asked questions

How many torii gates are at Fushimi Inari?

~10,000. They’re donated by businesses and individuals seeking Inari’s blessings for prosperity.

What is the Senbon Torii?

The 'thousand gates' — the twin rows of densely-packed vermilion gates at the base of the mountain. They form the iconic tunnel. Most famous and most photographed section.

Why are the gates there?

Each is a donation from a business or person. The giver’s name and date are inscribed on the back. It’s a centuries-old tradition seeking business blessings from Inari.

What’s the proper way to walk through a torii gate?

Stand to the side (left or right edge), not the centre. The middle is for the kami (gods). At the first gate, a light bow is customary.

Can I touch the torii gates?

You can brush them as you pass, but don’t deface or leave marks. They’re sacred objects and historical donations.