Hiking up to the Heiwadai Observation Deck brings with it a hidden gem. The Iwasaka Inari Shrine shines bright at the top of Kameoka!
Nestled within the thick forests of Kyoto’s countryside town of Kameoka, the Iwasaka Inari Shrine is relatively unknown to visitors in Japan. Small and humble, it rests at a high altitude at the feet of tall narrow trees and forests where wild deer reside (I can confirm spotting a few!).
Kameoka’s Shrine of Glory
Quite literally on the same grounds as the Heiwadai Observation Deck, this little-known shrine rests atop Kameoka’s best lookout point. The Iwasaka Inari Shrine is not to be confused with the Fushimi Inari-Taisha Shrine, though the torii gates look practically identical!
Stone Lanterns & Autumn Leaves
A beautiful combination of stone lanterns amidst the bright yellow trees makes this walkway irresistible to stroll through, particularly on a sunny day when the light touches the autumn leaves to create a fluorescent visual effect. You may notice carvings of deer on the stone lanterns to indicate the high abundance of deer lurking about in the area (don’t worry, they are harmless!).
The Thousand Torii Gates?
Okay, it may not be quite as impressive as the thousand torii gates of Fushimi Inari-Taisha Shrine, but for those looking for a more intimate shrine experience away from the crowds and deep in Mother Nature, Iwasaka Inari Shrine is the choice for you! To top it off, unlike Fushimi Inari-Taisha, you don’t need to hike up an exhausting incline to get amazing views of Kameoka from the Iwasaka Inari Shrine.
A Worthwhile Adventure!
The fact that you can cover the Nakayama Pond, Heiwadai Observation Deck, and Iwasaka Inari Shrine all in one hike is what makes Kameoka well worth the visit. An adventure that captures both the natural beauty and cultural heritage of Kyoto, you’ll love every minute spent exploring the scenic city of Kameoka!
Of course, if you are planning to visit Japan, you’ll need a way to get around the country as efficiently and affordably as possible. Japan Rail provides an abundance of travel passes to suit your travel needs. So whether you are traveling individually or as a group, the JR Pass is every traveler’s go-to for getting around and making the most of your time in Japan!