For the longest time, I’ve always wanted to see the beautiful Fushimi Inari shrine, I was amazed by its beauty when I saw the young Sayuri run through those now famous black and orange torii gates and just seeing pictures of it already inspired my wanderlust.
Entrance to the torii gates
The day was gray and rainy
On our first full day in Kyoto, we made our first stop in Fushimi Inari. That day, it wasn’t a clear and sunny day but rather the opposite. There was no sign that the rain was going to let up or not even a peek from the sun, it was cold and gray. That of course didn’t dampen my spirits, rain after all is a blessing and a sign of good luck. Getting down from Fushimi station, the first thing I see were the gates and the shrine, even with the constant drizzle the view was still astounding.
For ¥600, write your well wishes and blessings
Listen to the gentle chimes
We walked past the shrines and quickly made our way to the torii gates, but not before taking in the beautiful temple with the monks and visitors praying, or the walls filled with wooden boards filled with writings and what I surmise can only be blessings. Filled with excitement, we finally made our way to the black and orange torii gates. In front of me were two paths, one for monks and the other for tourists, being the obedient people that are, we took the tourist path. As we passed through each gate, I couldn’t help but take in the sight before me, rich orange and deep blacks, writings on each pillar (which I would find out later on were prayers and well wishes), all of these were exquisitely done and just marvelous to look at.
Savoring each moment
However, more than just looking at the wonderful gates, there was another reason why I really wanted to visit this beautiful shrine. It was to propose to my longtime girlfriend, Tricia, whom I felt already had an inkling of my plans. With deep breaths and with the rain not letting up, I decided to go down on my knee, bring out the engagement ring, and ask her. What happened next was the one word that I had been waiting for a long, long time, a resounding “yes!”.
I asked THE question and she said “yes!”
And so I had asked the big question and I got the answer that I wanted. I proposed in a place that both Tricia and I found beautiful. At the same time, we would find out later that the shrine itself is dedicated to prosperity and abundance, the message could not have been more hopeful. To Buddha and the rains, thank you for making my first visit to Fushimi Inari extra memorable and special.
Fushimi Inari Taisha
68 Fukakusa, Yabunouchicho,
Fushimi Ward, Kyoto
Open 24 hours
Manila traveler and bookworm 