Fushimi Inari Taisha, Kyoto

The head shrine of Inari, the god of rice and business, famous for its thousands of bright vermilion torii gates, donated by businesses, which form tunnels along the paths up the forested Mount Inari. Stone foxes, Inari's messengers, guard the shrines along the way.

The lower gates near the main shrine are very crowded. Keep climbing: the hike to the summit and back takes 2 to 3 hours, and the crowds thin out quickly. It's free and open 24 hours, so go early in the morning or at dusk, when the lanterns are lit. It's next to Inari station on the JR Nara line, two stops from Kyoto station.