What it is
The Motomiya-sai is the summer festival of Fushimi Inari Taisha, the head shrine of Inari, the kami of rice and prosperity. It is a festival of thanks, when people who worship Inari all over Japan come back to the head shrine.
On the evening before the main ritual, the shrine lights thousands of lanterns throughout its grounds and up the paths of Mount Inari. Walking the famous tunnels of torii gates by lantern light is one of the most beautiful experiences in Kyoto in summer.
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 |
|---|---|
| Saturday evening | Yoimiya: Lanterns are lit throughout the shrine and up the mountain |
| Sunday | Motomiya-sai: The main ritual of thanks at the shrine |
Which day should you go?
Saturday evening
Walk through the torii gates after dark, when the lanterns glow all the way up the mountain path.
What to look for
The lanterns
Thousands of paper and stone lanterns are lit across the shrine grounds and Mount Inari.
The torii
The famous tunnels of orange gates look completely different by lantern light.
Thanks from believers
The festival is a time for Inari's worshippers across Japan to give thanks at the head shrine.
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. Come after dark, when the lanterns are lit.
Crowds. Evenings are busy but relaxed. The mountain paths are dark, so bring a light if you climb.
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. Book 1–2 months ahead. Late July is also Gion Matsuri season, so prices are higher.
Times are typical fastest routes. Check current timetables before you travel.
Practical tips
- Footwear. The mountain path has many steps. Wear comfortable shoes and bring a light.
- Dates. Held on the first Sunday or holiday after the start of midsummer (doyō), with the lantern evening the day before.
Glossary
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.