The 1,000 Torii Gate Hike
January 20, 2025
Photographer: Cindy Todd
Summary Author: Cindy Todd
The 1,000 Torii Gate is a well know hike in Kyoto, Japan. The 2.7 miles (4.3 km) long hike supposedly goes through 1,000 Torii Gates (actually, about 800), climbing up Mount Inari, a hill that's 764 feet (233 m) above sea level. Fushimi Inari Taisha, shown above at top, is a Shinto Shrine, dating from the 8th Century, that sits as the base of Mount Inari.
Because the area is heavily wooded, in many areas very little sunlight penetrates through the trees. As I was hiking, I noticed a tree that seemed to have steam coming off of it (bottom photo). This particular tree was deep in the woods but was still able to receive a small amount of sunlight. The tree's bark was wet from overnight rain, and once sunlight hit it, the moisture began to evaporate. Since the temperature of the air was cooler than the surface of the bark, the resulting water vapor condensed into tiny cloud droplets.
Note, this is a great hike, allowing you silent contemplation as you walk through the numerous Torii Gates on your way to the summit of Mount Inari. Photos taken on October 9, 2024.
Kyoto, Japan Coordinates: 35.0116, 135.7681
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