Fushimi Inari, Kyoto
Fushimi Inari Taisha is an extremely popular tourist stop in Kyoto, its red Torii Gates attract around 10 million tourists per year, and you will see just as many photos of the tunnel of Torii that wind their way up the peak.
Kitsune
Guardians of the sacred gates, the Kitsune of Fushimi Inari Shrine are mystical fox spirits beleived to be messengers of Inari, the deity of rice, prosperity, and good harvests.
They symbolise prosperity, protection, and spiritual guidance.
We visited Kyoto for three days at the beginning of November and I was determined to visit the Fushimi Inari Shrine and explore the winding paths through the Torii. To beat the crowds we arrived early in the morning to get a head start.
There are many spots to stop and take in the details as you walk along the pathway, numerous smaller shrines and sacred sites are tucked along the way. I used very little photography gear during my travels in Japan, I spent months deliberating and purchasing bits and pieces, but ultimately chose to shoot with one camera and one lens.
95% of my images were taken using a Fujifilm X-T5 mirrorless body with the original Fujfiilm 23mm F1.4 lens, this combination was the perfect focal length and also with a bright aperture for even the darkest of scenes. I found using a single prime lens allowed me to have fun and be present instead of fumbling with gear and overthinking the shot.
During our visit to Japan we often sought quiet spaces away from the manic atmosphere of other tourists, and we often found ourselves taking an alternate path leading to fun discoveries and different viewpoints, and we often took time to interact with the furry locals.
