Fushimi Inari Shrine an important Shinto shrine in southern Kyoto.  History of the shrine:  Fushimi Inari is the most important shrine dedicated to Inari, the Sinto god of rice.  It is famous for int thousands of torii gates, which straddle a network of trails that lead to the sacred Mount Inari about 233 meters.  This is an up hill climb with neatly kept woodlands and a stream running along the trail.  Melissa was so excited to be here and it was a beautiful day.  The kids really like exploring and seem to have an endless amount of energy.    

Each shrine we went to had a different animal at the entryway.    This one has foxes.  

This lady is cleansing herself before she enters the shrine.  It is a fresh water supply and bamboo sticks with a little bamboo cup at the end.   

This map only shows a portion of the place, but you can see the two rows of torii gates.   The whole hike can take 2 -3 hours.   

I don't think that I saw Lavena when she did not have a huge smile on her face.  It was a great time exploring and visiting all along the way.  

On the up hill side the orange is striking.   But when you turn around to head down hill there is writing on each gate.  

Maggie really had to watch her head.  The gates seemed to vary in height.  

Everyone got into jumping!!

There were all these little spaces with benches and stairs leading to different paths.  

I love old stairs and wonder how many people have traveled this way.  

We don't have any idea what these are saying.

This was a fish mold ice cream cone operation.  

Lavena's fish was filled with ice cream, chocolate sauce, and sprinkles with pretzel covered with chocolate.  
It was a relief when we got over there and found that they also are firm believers in ice cream.