Fushimi Inari Taisha holds various festivals and sacred rituals throughout the year, but the largest of these is the Motomiya-sai (Main Shrine Festival). This festival began in 1961 (Showa 36) to commemorate the 1250th anniversary of the enshrinement of the deity, Inari Okami.
The Motomiya-sai for 2025 will be held on Sunday, July 20th, with the Eve Festival (Yoimiya-sai) taking place the day before on Saturday, July 19th.
This grand festival gathers worshippers from Inari shrines all over Japan who venerate the deity’s spirit and come to the head shrine, Fushimi Inari Taisha, to express gratitude for the divine blessings received daily.
１．About the Eve Festival (Yoimiya-sai)
The Eve Festival is held the day before the main festival. The word “Yoimiya” literally means “night shrine,” and in ancient times it was the important ritual called Kangyo-sai, welcoming the deity back to the main shrine in preparation for the main festival the next day.
Today, the Yoimiya-sai has evolved into a lively and festive night before the main event, celebrated with a bright and joyful atmosphere.
２.Mantō Shinji (Lantern Lighting Ceremony)
At 6 p.m. on the Eve Festival, the Mantō Shinji begins. Thousands of lanterns are lit simultaneously across Mt. Inari and the stone lanterns on the shrine grounds, creating a solemn and sacred space.
Since ancient times, vermilion red has been believed to ward off evil spirits and is widely used in palaces, shrines, and temples. At Fushimi Inari Taisha, this vermilion color symbolizes the fertility and blessings granted by Inari Okami.
With thousands of vermilion lanterns glowing, the shrine grounds become a mystical and otherworldly scene.
Additionally, on both the Eve and Main Festival days, approximately 400 traditional Japanese painted lanterns donated by artists are displayed around the Outer Worship Hall and nearby areas, accompanied by various lively offerings and ceremonies, enhancing the festival’s brilliance and sacredness.
３.Lighting Up Mt. Inari’s Summit
During the festival, a large torii-shaped light is illuminated on Mt. Inari’s summit, visible from afar as a glowing red beacon.
The path leading up Mt. Inari is also decorated with lanterns and lighting, allowing visitors to walk through the torii gates in an atmosphere quite different from usual. We recommend taking this opportunity to enjoy the Kyoto night view from Yotsutsuji (the Four-way Crossroads).
４.Turning Your Memories of Fushimi Inari into Treasures — Recommended Fushimi Inari Goods
We introduce items perfect for the Motomiya-sai, including Vermillion’s original goods!
[Vermillion Original] Chusen Tenugui (Torii Pattern)
A versatile original hand-dyed tenugui towel.
Useful for wiping, wrapping, tying, hanging, or decorating. It can be used as a handkerchief or towel, wrapped around a lunchbox, or framed as art.
This tenugui is made with the traditional chusen dyeing method, where dye is poured onto fabric layered with resist paste to create patterns.
The iconic Senbon Torii (thousands of torii gates) pattern evokes the festive spirit of Inari.
→ View the [Vermillion Original Chusen Tenugui (Torii)] here
[Vermillion Original] Shop Pin (Fox)
A popular, playful design pin badge featuring the fox, the sacred messenger of Inari, with a jewel on its tail.
The white fox (byakko) is revered as a protector and messenger that delivers wishes to the heavens and wards off evil.
Great as a charm on bags or hats, and a perfect gift for shrine enthusiasts.
→ View the [Vermillion Original Shop Pin (Fox)] here.
[Vermillion Original] Fushimi Inari Pair Plates
An original plate set featuring the fox and the iconic thousand torii gates of Mt. Inari.
Produced in collaboration with Oda Pottery, makers of Mino ware ceramics for over 100 years.
Enjoy the atmosphere of Fushimi Inari in everyday life as small plates or decorative dishes.
→ View the [Fushimi Inari Pair Plates] here.
[Tuttle Publishing] Japan’s Most Famous Shinto Shrine Jigsaw Puzzle: Fushimi Inari
The iconic vermilion torii gates of Fushimi Inari Taisha are beautifully depicted in this 1000-piece puzzle.
Once completed, it resembles a fine painting and can be framed as striking home décor.
A perfect way to reminisce about your visit to Fushimi Inari while enjoying a rewarding puzzle challenge.
→ View the [Tuttle Publishing Fushimi Inari Puzzle] here.
５．Conclution
During the Two Days of Motomiya-sai
Various events are held at the plaza in front of the Sanshūden near the main hall.
Performances such as Yosakoi Soran dance and Japanese taiko drumming enliven the summer nights, offering plenty of attractions to enjoy.
Many food stalls appear at the plaza, so it’s fun to enjoy festival food with friends and family!
Fushimi Inari Taisha is beautiful any day of the year, but during these two summer nights, it becomes especially magical, wrapped in vermilion light.
Why not spend a mystical time wrapped in vermilion glow, along with our recommended Fushimi Inari goods?