What it is
The Hitaki-sai is Fushimi Inari’s autumn festival of thanks for the rice harvest. Inari is the kami of rice, and the festival returns the kami’s blessings with fire.
Visitors from across Japan send in hitaki-gushi, small sticks of wood on which they have written their prayers. On November 8, the sticks are burned in great bonfires in the shrine garden while priests chant, and in the evening kagura is performed. The smoke is said to carry the prayers to the kami.
Kami of this festivalInariThe kami of rice and prosperity, famous for tunnels of orange torii gates and stone foxes. More shrines in Japan are dedicated to Inari than to any other kami. Read the story →The festival at a glance
| Date | What happens |
|---|---|
| Nov 8, afternoon | Hitaki-sai: After a rite in the main hall, prayer sticks are burned in three fire beds in the shrine garden |
| Nov 8, evening | Mikagura: Sacred kagura music and dance are performed in front of the main hall |
Which day should you go?
Nov 8, afternoon
Watch the bonfires, walk the torii gates up the mountain, and come back for the evening dance.
What to look for
Hitaki-gushi
Small wooden sticks on which visitors write their wishes. You can write one at the shrine beforehand.
Kagura
In the evening, sacred music and dance are offered to the kami in front of the main hall.
Harvest thanks
The rice harvested in autumn is offered to Inari, who is thanked for it.
Getting there & where to stay
| From | How | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Kyoto Station | JR Nara Line to Inari Station | about 5 min |
| Osaka | Keihan Line from Yodoyabashi to Fushimi-Inari | about 50 min |
On the day. The shrine gate is right outside JR Inari Station. The fires are lit in the afternoon and evening.
Crowds. Fushimi Inari is busy every day. Come early to watch near the fires.
Where to stay
Kyoto Station area
Two stops from Inari by JR, with many hotels.
Central Kyoto (Shijō–Karasuma)
Keihan trains from Gion-shijō reach Fushimi-Inari in about 10 minutes.
When to book. November is high season for autumn leaves. Book 2–3 months ahead.
Times are typical fastest routes. Check current timetables before you travel.
Practical tips
- Combine. Early November is a good time to hike Mount Inari before the autumn crowds.
Glossary
Kagura神楽
Sacred music and dance performed for the kami. Many forms retell myths, above all the story of Amaterasu and the rock cave.
Torii鳥居
The gate at the entrance to a shrine. Passing through it means stepping from the everyday world into a sacred space.
Matsuri祭り
A Japanese festival, usually held for the kami of a local shrine. The word comes from the idea of serving and entertaining the gods.
References
- Fushimi Inari Taisha, official website: annual festivals.
Last checked 2026-10-12.