This temple and shrine are not far from each other, and it can’t be easier to access by public transport. This is how I travelled between the destinations when I have visited.
1001 buddhas Sanjusangendo to 1000 gates Fushimi Inari.
I visited Sanjusangendo when I was 14 as a school trip, and it was the most memorable place for me from that trip to Kyoto and Nara. Walking the 120-meter hallway filled with Buddhas on one side is something very special and I did feel something special and spiritual, even though I am not a religious person.
Now I am 32. My husband and I decided to visit Kyoto when we went to Japan this time. I still remembered how special Sanjusangendo was after 18 years and wanted to visit again.
The other place I really wanted go was Fushimi Inari shrine. I had never been to this place after visiting Kyoto twice. The stunning photos of red gates one after another was always appealing and was always on my the places I want to visit list.
These places are not within walking distance, but you can easily visit in one day.
How to get to Fushimi Inari from Sanjusangendo.
The common way to get to Fushimi Inari from Sanjusangendo is to catch a train. There is Keihan Main Line train station and JR station close to both Fushimi Inari and Sanjusangendo. You can use either train line and the things to consider are;
- Keihan Main Line has got more trains operating, and it is simpler to get from Sanjusangendo to the station.
- You can use Japan Rail pass with JR travel, and the JR station is closer to Fushimi Inari than the Keihan Main Line station.
We used Keihan Main Line station, as we didn’t hold JR pass in this trip. But I would have used JR lines if I had one. The fare is not much, 150 yen per adult, but it always makes me happy making most out of what I have got.
Where are the stations?
Here is the map of Sanjusangendo temple to the stations and the way. There are about 8 mins walk to Shichijo station by Keihan Main Line, and 15 mins walk to Tofukuji station by JR.
If you are travelling with JR, and have some spare time, there is the famous Tofukuji temple about 10 mins walk away.
And this is the stations’ location around Fushimi Inari shrine.
JR Inari station is almost in front of the first gate of the shrine. There are lots of shops along the way to the shrine, so even you are using JR train, it is a good idea to look around the area.
Use Keihan Main Line to Fushimi Inari.
Catch a train from Shichijo station to Fushimi Inari station from platform 2. All trains stop at Shichijo station, but limited express does not stop at Fushimi Inari station.
The travel costs 150 yen per adult and takes about 5 mins. Including walking time, it takes about 20 mins plus train waiting time. There is a train in about every 10 mins during day time.
Use JR to Fushimi Inari.
Catch a train from Tofukuji station to JR Inari station from platform 2. There are local trains and Miyakoji Rapid trains stop at Tofukuji station, but Miyakoji Rapid does not stop at Inari station.
The travel costs 140 yen per adult and takes about 2 mins. Including walking time, it takes about 20 mins plus train waiting time. There is a train in about every 15 mins during day time.
