When I visited Japan winter from December 2013-January 2014, I got a chance to visit Kyoto, Japan.  As a Japanese I have always wanted to indulge in all the beautiful and historic shrines and temples in Kyoto.  Fushimi Inari Shrine, 伏見稲荷大社 was probably one of the most beautiful place I have visited in the world.  According to Japan-guide.com, this shrine is listed at #7 of 59 most visited sights in Kyoto.  Fushimi Inari Shrine is one of the most important Shinto shrine in Southern Kyoto.  The beautiful layers of orange gates are shown in the picture are called “Torii” gates.  This shrine is dedicated to Inari, the Shinto God of Rice.  Just as you can see in the picture there are many statues of foxes all around the shrine.  Foxes are the messengers of Inari.  Hiking all the way to the top of the summit takes about 2-3 hours.  This shrine will be a great way to work off all the delicious food you’ve consumed in Kyoto and at the same time you get a great view.