A summer night in Kyoto.
There are certain days when Fushimi Inari Taisha takes on a slightly different appearance.
Countless lights illuminate the vermilion torii gates and shrine buildings.
A mystical atmosphere fills the grounds as night falls.
And a special landscape that can only be experienced on a summer night.
This is the Motomiya Festival at Fushimi Inari Taisha.
Throughout the year, Fushimi Inari Taisha hosts a variety of festivals and Shinto rituals.
Among them, the Motomiya Festival is one of the largest. It began in 1961 to commemorate the 1,250th anniversary of the enshrinement of Inari Ōkami, the deity worshipped at the shrine.
In 2026, the Motomiya Festival will take place on Monday, July 20, a national holiday. The Yoimiya Festival, held on the eve of the main festival, will take place on Sunday, July 19.
People from across Japan who enshrine the spirit of Inari Ōkami at shrines in their own communities gather at Fushimi Inari Taisha, the head shrine of Inari worship, to express their gratitude for the blessings they have received.
In this article, we explore the enchanting nighttime scenery of the Motomiya Festival at Fushimi Inari Taisha, along with some recommended souvenirs to help you keep the memories of your visit to Fushimi Inari close to you.
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1. What is the Yoimiya Festival?
The Yoimiya Festival is held on the eve of the Motomiya Festival.
The word “Yoimiya” literally means “evening shrine.” Historically, it was an important ritual held on the night before a major festival to welcome the deity.
The festival also carries the meaning of the deity returning to the main shrine in preparation for the main festival the following day.
Today, the Yoimiya Festival is also known for its lively and festive atmosphere, making it a special occasion to experience Fushimi Inari Taisha on a summer night.
In 2026, the Yoimiya Festival will be held on Sunday, July 19.
As the sun sets and evening gradually turns into night, lights begin to appear throughout the shrine grounds.
It is a chance to experience Fushimi Inari Taisha in a quiet and enchanting atmosphere unlike its daytime appearance.
2. The Mantō Ritual: A Shrine Illuminated in Vermilion
On the evening of the Yoimiya Festival, the Mantō Ritual begins at 6:00 p.m.
Lights are lit throughout Mount Inari, in the stone lanterns around the shrine grounds, and in thousands of lanterns offered to the shrine.
As the night gradually deepens, the grounds of Fushimi Inari Taisha become enveloped in a soft, warm glow.
Since ancient times, vermilion has been believed to possess the power to ward off evil and has been widely used in palaces, shrines, and Buddhist temples.
At Fushimi Inari Taisha, vermilion is also regarded as a color symbolizing the power of abundance bestowed by Inari Ōkami.
As the vermilion shrine buildings and torii gates emerge from the darkness of night, the scenery takes on an almost otherworldly beauty.
Once the thousands of lanterns are lit, the shrine grounds are transformed into an enchanting space that feels like another world.
On both the Yoimiya Festival and the Motomiya Festival, approximately 400 lantern paintings donated by Japanese-style painters and other artists are also displayed around the Outer Worship Hall.
Walking among the softly illuminated artworks is another special experience unique to the Motomiya Festival.
3. A Summer Night on Mount Inari
During the Motomiya Festival, a large torii-shaped light is illuminated on Mount Inari.
Its red glow, visible from a distance, is one of the iconic sights of a summer night at Fushimi Inari Taisha.
For these two days, the approach leading up Mount Inari also takes on a different atmosphere, illuminated by lanterns and other lights.
Walking through the rows of vermilion torii gates at night is a completely different experience from visiting during the day.
In the quiet of the evening, you can enjoy the torii gates and trees illuminated by the soft glow of the lights.
If you have enough time, we also recommend walking as far as Yotsutsuji.
As the lights of Kyoto begin to appear below, the nighttime view from Mount Inari offers a special landscape that can only be experienced during summer in Kyoto.
4. Souvenirs to Remember Your Visit to Fushimi Inari
After visiting Fushimi Inari Taisha, why not look for something that will allow you to enjoy the memories of your visit in your everyday life?
Here are some recommended items, including Vermillion original goods inspired by Fushimi Inari, that make wonderful souvenirs or gifts.
Vermillion Original Chusen-Dyed Tenugui (Torii Gates)
A tenugui is one of those simple items that can be surprisingly useful.
It can be used for drying, wrapping, tying, covering, or even decorating.
Use it instead of a handkerchief or towel, wrap a lunch box with it, or frame it and display it as artwork.
Because it is simply a single piece of fabric, it can be used freely in many different ways throughout your daily life.
This tenugui is made using the traditional chusen dyeing technique, in which sections of the fabric are protected with a special paste before dye is poured over the layered fabric to create the pattern.
The design, inspired by the thousands of torii gates at Fushimi Inari, makes this a beautiful way to remember your visit.
View Product →Vermillion Original Shop Pin (Fox)
This original Vermillion pin badge features a fox, one of the divine messengers of Fushimi Inari.
The friendly, colorful design depicts a fox carrying a sacred jewel on its tail.
White foxes, known as byakko, have long been regarded as messengers of Inari Ōkami, believed to carry people's wishes to the heavens and ward off evil.
Wear it on your bag or hat, or carry it with you like a small good-luck charm.
It also makes a memorable souvenir of your visit to Fushimi Inari or a thoughtful gift for anyone who loves Japanese shrines.
View Product →Vermillion Fushimi Inari Pair Plates
This original pair of plates features the foxes of Fushimi Inari Taisha and Mount Inari lined with rows of vermilion torii gates.
Created in collaboration with Oda Toki, a maker that has been producing Mino ware, one of Japan's most renowned ceramic traditions, for over 100 years.
Use them as small plates or display them as decorative pieces.
They bring memories of the scenery of Fushimi Inari into your everyday life.
View Product →Torii Necklace Silver/Gold
A necklace in the shape of a torii gate.
Although there are several theories about their origins, torii gates have been places where people have expressed gratitude and offered prayers for centuries in Japan.
At our shop near Fushimi Inari, famous for its thousands of torii gates, this accessory is especially popular with visitors from both Japan and abroad as a keepsake of their visit or a personal good-luck charm.
Designed and created by Haretoke, a label of the accessory brand Fiillyjonk, founded by two creators with backgrounds in architecture and sculpture.
The necklace comes with a dedicated gift box.
View Product →
5. Conclusion
During the two-day Motomiya Festival, a variety of performances and events take place in the plaza in front of the Assembly Hall near the main shrine building, while numerous food stalls line the grounds.
Enjoying festival food with friends or family is another wonderful way to experience the atmosphere of a Japanese summer festival.
Fushimi Inari Taisha is, of course, beautiful throughout the year.
But the shrine takes on a special charm during these two summer nights, when it is surrounded by the warm glow of vermilion lights.
Lanterns are lit, lantern paintings emerge from the darkness, and rows of vermilion torii gates continue into the night.
It is a landscape that can only be experienced at Fushimi Inari on a summer night.
If you are planning to visit Kyoto in the summer of 2026, consider visiting Fushimi Inari Taisha during the Motomiya Festival.
And why not find something to take home as a reminder of the time you spent at Fushimi Inari?
At SHU by Vermillion, we offer original items inspired by Fushimi Inari, along with carefully selected pieces created through the craftsmanship and creativity of makers from across Japan.
Fushimi Inari, wrapped in the glow of vermilion lights on a summer night.
Why not spend a special summer evening in Kyoto in 2026?