Fushimi Inari Hiking Guide: Complete Mountain Trail to the Summit

Quick Answer: How Hard Is the Hike?

| Factor | Details |
|——–|———|
| Distance | 4 km round trip |
| Elevation gain | 233 meters (764 feet) |
| Total stairs | ~1,000+ steps |
| Time needed | 2-3 hours round trip |
| Difficulty | Moderate (lots of stairs) |
| Fitness required | Average – can walk 5km comfortably |

In simple terms: If you can climb 50 flights of stairs with breaks, you can do this hike.

Trail Overview

“`
START: Main Hall (0m elevation)
↓ 15 min
Senbon Torii → Okusha (50m)
↓ 20 min
Kumataka-sha Pond (100m)
↓ 15 min
Sannotsuji / Yotsuji Intersection (150m) ← REST STOP
↓ 20 min
Ni-no-mine (Second Peak, 200m)
↓ 10 min
SUMMIT: Ichi-no-mine (First Peak, 233m)
↓ Same route or loop back
START: Main Hall
“`

Note: “First Peak” (Ichi-no-mine) is the summit. “Second Peak” (Ni-no-mine) is lower. Japanese naming counts from the top.

Section-by-Section Guide

Section 1: Main Hall → Okusha

Distance: 500m | Time: 15-20 min | Difficulty: Easy

| What to expect | Details |
|—————-|———|
| Path type | Paved, flat to gentle slope |
| Highlights | Senbon Torii (Thousand Gates) |
| Crowds | Heavy until Okusha |
| Facilities | Restrooms at start, vending machines |

At Okusha: Try the Omokaru-ishi stones. This is where most tourists turn back.

Section 2: Okusha → Kumataka-sha

Distance: 600m | Time: 15-20 min | Difficulty: Easy-Moderate

| What to expect | Details |
|—————-|———|
| Path type | Stone steps, some steep sections |
| Highlights | Quieter, more torii gates |
| Crowds | Moderate (many turn back at Okusha) |
| Facilities | None |

At Kumataka-sha: A mystical pond shrine. Good rest spot and photo opportunity.

Section 3: Kumataka-sha → Yotsuji

Distance: 700m | Time: 15-20 min | Difficulty: Moderate

| What to expect | Details |
|—————-|———|
| Path type | Continuous stairs, some steep |
| Highlights | Views begin to open up |
| Crowds | Light |
| Facilities | TEAHOUSES at Yotsuji |

At Yotsuji: Major rest point with:

• Teahouses (udon, drinks, snacks)
• Benches with city views
• Restrooms nearby
• Decision point: summit or turn back

Section 4: Yotsuji → Summit

Distance: 800m | Time: 25-30 min | Difficulty: Moderate-Hard

| What to expect | Details |
|—————-|———|
| Path type | Steepest section, many stairs |
| Highlights | Ni-no-mine, Ichi-no-mine shrines |
| Crowds | Very light |
| Facilities | Small shrines, no shops |

At Summit (Ichi-no-mine): Small shrine, sense of accomplishment. Views partially blocked by trees.

Facilities Map

Restroom Locations

| Location | Type | Notes |
|———-|——|——-|
| Main hall area | Modern, clean | Before starting hike |
| Near Yotsuji | Basic | Only mountain restroom |

Important: There are only 2 restroom areas on the entire trail. Use the one at the start!

Vending Machine Locations

| Location | Available |
|———-|———–|
| Main hall area | Yes – many |
| Near Okusha | Yes |
| Yotsuji | Yes (limited) |
| Beyond Yotsuji | None |

Food & Rest Stops

| Location | What’s Available | Price Range |
|———-|——————|————-|
| Yotsuji teahouses | Udon, mochi, drinks, snacks | ¥300-800 |
| Sannotsuji area | Small snack shop | ¥200-500 |

Pro tip: The teahouse at Yotsuji with the best view is on your right when ascending. Udon (¥500) and amazake (sweet sake, ¥300) are popular.

Route Options

Option A: Okusha & Back (Easy)

Time: 45-60 min | For: Casual visitors, limited time

“`
Main Hall → Senbon Torii → Okusha → Return
“`

• See the famous gates
• Try Omokaru-ishi stones
• Avoid all steep climbing

Option B: Yotsuji & Back (Recommended)

Time: 90-120 min | For: Most visitors

“`
Main Hall → Okusha → Yotsuji → Return same way
“`

• Best views at Yotsuji
• Teahouse rest stop
• Skip the steepest section
• Best effort-to-reward ratio

Option C: Full Summit (Complete Experience)

Time: 2-3 hours | For: Fit hikers, completionists

“`
Main Hall → Okusha → Yotsuji → Summit → Return
“`

• Full pilgrimage experience
• Sense of accomplishment
• Visit all mountain shrines

Option D: Loop Route (Advanced)

Time: 2.5-3 hours | For: Those wanting variety

“`
Main Hall → Okusha → Yotsuji → Summit →
→ Descend via western path → Return to main area
“`

• Different scenery on descent
• Less crowded western path
• Slightly longer

What to Bring

Essential

| Item | Why |
|——|—–|
| Water (500ml minimum) | Limited vending machines up top |
| Comfortable shoes | 1,000+ stairs – sneakers minimum |
| Small towel | You will sweat |
| Cash | Teahouses are cash only |

Recommended

| Item | Why |
|——|—–|
| Light snack | Energy for the climb |
| Rain jacket | Weather changes fast |
| Small backpack | Keep hands free for stairs |
| Hiking poles | Optional, helpful for knees |

Seasonal Extras

| Season | Bring |
|——–|——-|
| Summer | Hat, sunscreen, extra water, cooling towel |
| Winter | Warm layers, gloves |
| Rainy season | Umbrella, waterproof bag |

Difficulty Comparison

How does Fushimi Inari compare to other hikes?

| Hike | Difficulty | Comparison |
|——|————|————|
| Fushimi Inari summit | Moderate | Lots of stairs, well-maintained |
| Kiyomizu-dera walk | Easy | Much shorter, mostly flat |
| Arashiyama bamboo | Easy | Flat, no climbing |
| Mt. Takao (Tokyo) | Moderate | Similar difficulty, longer |
| Mt. Fuji | Very Hard | Not comparable |

Fushimi Inari is: Harder than temple visits, easier than real mountain hikes.

Tips for Different Fitness Levels

For Beginners / Less Fit

1. Start early – cooler, less crowded
2. Pace yourself – no rush, take breaks every 10-15 min
3. Target Yotsuji – turn back there (best views anyway)
4. Bring extra water – dehydration makes it harder
5. Use the teahouse – rest, refuel, then decide if continuing

For Families with Kids

| Age | Recommendation |
|—–|—————-|
| Under 5 | Okusha max (carry if needed) |
| 5-10 | Yotsuji possible with encouragement |
| 10+ | Summit possible if active |

Tip: Make it a game – count the fox statues or torii gates!

For Seniors / Knee Problems

1. Consider Yotsuji only – steepest section is after
2. Bring hiking poles – reduce knee strain
3. Descend carefully – downhill is harder on knees
4. Take the gentler western descent if knees are sore

Best Times to Hike

| Time | Pros | Cons |
|——|——|——|
| 6:00-8:00 AM | Cool, empty, beautiful light | Very early wake-up |
| 8:00-10:00 AM | Good light, moderate crowds | Starting to warm up |
| 10:00 AM-3:00 PM | Teahouses fully open | Hot, crowded, tiring |
| 3:00-5:00 PM | Cooling down, thinning crowds | Less time before dark |
| 5:00-7:00 PM | Sunset at Yotsuji, cooler | Some sections get dark |

Best: Early morning (6-8 AM) or late afternoon (4-6 PM)

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I do the hike in flip-flops/sandals?
Strongly not recommended. The 1,000+ stairs are uneven stone. You need closed-toe shoes with grip.

Q: Is there shade on the trail?
Yes, most of the trail is forested. But still bring sun protection for open sections.

Q: Can I turn back anytime?
Yes! It’s a simple out-and-back trail. Turn around whenever you want.

Q: How do I know if I’m going the right way?
Follow the torii gates. They guide you the entire way. Signs at major intersections.

Q: Is it safe to hike alone?
Yes, during daytime. Paths are well-marked and you’ll see other hikers. Not recommended at night.

Q: Are there animals on the mountain?
You may see cats (many live at the shrine), occasionally wild boar signs (very rare encounters).

Related Guides

• [Fushimi Inari Complete Guide](/en/powerspot/fushimi-inari-en/) – Full shrine information
• [Fushimi Inari from Osaka](/en/powerspot/fushimi-inari-day-trip-osaka-en/) – Day trip planning
• [Fushimi Inari Photography Guide](/en/powerspot/fushimi-inari-photography-en/) – Best spots & times
• [Fushimi Inari Night Visit Guide](/en/powerspot/fushimi-inari-night-visit-en/) – After-dark experience

*Last updated: January 2026*

*Trail conditions may vary by season. After heavy rain, some sections may be slippery. The shrine is open 24 hours but hiking after dark is not recommended.*