Fushimi Inairi Shrine –  March 25, 2025 

  • Location:  Kasihara City  > Uji > Kyoto 
  • Tour:  Fushimi Inairi Shrine
  • Weather:  55-75° / sunny with winds 5-10 mph 

Fushimi Inairi Shrine is dedicated to Inairi the god of rice. Foxes are thought to be messengers of Inairi. The pairing of Agyō (open mouth gate statue) and Ungyō (closed mouth gate statue) governs the beginning and ending of all things.

Fushimi Inairi Shrine Gate.
Fox. Temple gate statues on right side have an open mouth. These statues are called Agyō representing the first sound in Sanskrit.
Fox. Temple gate statues on left side have an open mouth. These statues are called Ungyō representing the last sound in Sanskrit.
Japanese women wearing a kimono walk with toes turned inward (pigeon toed). Chinese women wearing a kimono walk with toes turned outward (duck foot).

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