Which Shinto shrine is famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates?

Fushimi Inari-taisha is the Shinto shrine famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates.

Located in Fushimi-ku, Kyoto, Fushimi Inari-taisha is the head shrine of Inari, a kami associated historically with rice and agriculture and later with commerce and business. Its torii gates form winding passages up Mount Inari, creating the celebrated Senbon Torii, or “thousand torii,” paths.

The gates are not a single structure built at one time. Individuals, families, and businesses traditionally donate torii as acts of gratitude or in connection with answered prayers. The shrine complex is commonly described as having roughly 10,000 torii, while about 800 form the most famous tunnel-like section. Their vivid vermilion color is strongly associated with protection and sacred space.

The shrine’s origins are traditionally dated to 711 CE, and its mountain trails extend for several kilometers past smaller shrines and stone monuments. Fox statues are also common because foxes are regarded as messengers of Inari. Fushimi Inari should not be confused with Ise Grand Shrine, Japan’s principal shrine complex dedicated to Amaterasu.