Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine

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A shrine filled with red Torii gates. The American movie 'Memoirs of a Geisha', which is based on the British novel, ironically features Chinese actors speaking English while portraying the lives of Japanese people. The narrative centers around Chiyo, a young girl who is sold to an Okiya in Kyoto's Hanamachi due to her mother's medical expenses. Chiyo dreams of becoming a Geiko (Geisha), running through the red Torii gates of the Fushimi Inari Shrine. Fushimi Inari Shrine is the head shrine of the 30,000 Inari shrines nationwide, dedicated to the gods of rice, agriculture, sake, wealth, and success, with the fox as the messenger of Inari. Upon arrival, visitors can see a giant red Torii gate, a pillar gate marking the entrance to a sacred space, distinct from the secular world. The red color is believed to ward off disasters and demons. The Senbon Torii, meaning thousands of Torii gates, is a symbol of the shrine, with donations from individuals or companies funding their construction. The Ema (votive tablets) of Fushimi Inari are unique in their fox shapes, filled with wishes for success. The shrine is open 24/7, free of charge, with a pilgrimage path leading to the summit of Mount Inari.