Exploring Kyoto: Abandoned Inari Shrine and a secret waterfall

On the way from Tofukuji to Unryuu-in, I found an abandoned Inari Shrine. I was walking along a path on the outskirts of Kyoto, and I saw a Torii in the middle of overgrown trees. When I got to the other side, there was an entrance with a sign on the Torii saying 倒壊する危険あり 通行注意 -(danger of collapse, be careful when passing through). It didn't say 立ち入り禁止 (do not enter) though, so I went in and had a look around. It was definitely worth going in!

Even though I'm fairly sure it's not in use any more, it's still a shrine, so I tried to be respectful. It was a weird feeling going in. I wonder when and why it fell into disuse?

This Torii says Showa 45, which means it was erected in 1970.

There was a house there too, although I'm pretty sure no one lives there now.

 Almost exactly next door was an Inari Shrine called 五社之瀧神社 (Goshanotaki jinja) that was still in use. I had a look round, and a lady who looks after the Shrine came and talked to me!

She let me go into a gated off part of the shrine, where there was a waterfall, and told me that I should go in there and breathe deeply, and that it would make me feel relaxed. I was so overwhelmed with how kind she was! Kyoto people really are omotenashi. I paid my respects at the shrine, and I really did  feel refreshed standing in the cool and listening to the waterfall.

I think people in Kyoto- and people in Japan in general- are so nice, especially if you are in the suburbs, speak Japanese and are interested in their culture. I was so happy that I randomly found this shrine! Definitely go out adventuring on your own if you have the chance, and go off the tourist trail- you never know what you'll find!

Thanks for reading! -Amy xoxo

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