The shrine is dedicated to Inari. The many torii lining the entrance to the complex were donated by local businesses. Inari is a popular god because he/she represents two of Japan's favorite things — rice and business.
Inari is an androgynous god who is sometimes represented as a man or a woman. Inari has an army of fox (kitsune) messengers. Foxes are also considered gods in Japan. They have the ability to shapeshift to human form. Foxes are mischievous and often trick humans. In myth, they often seduce humans or even marry them.
The mountain behind the shrine is called Inariyama (Inari mountain). Paths beside the shrine lead up the mountain to a series of small shrines. Most are dedicated to kitsune (foxes). There's a view of Kyoto from the path.
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