Japan reopening on 11th October!

I moved to Japan in April 2022, but for most visitors the country has been shut to tourists for around two years now. They trialed allowing in foreign tourists with tour groups over the summer, but it wasn't particularly popular and not affordable for young backpackers. However, time for some good news! From October 11th tourists with three vaccinations or a negative PCR test will be allowed to visit Japan independently once more! To celebrate, here are some photos from one of my bucket list sights - the Fushimi Inari shrine in Kyoto. This is definitely a must-see for your trip to Japan! I loved climbing the mountain through the incredible torii gates. There are also a few smaller temples and shrines nearby, as well as many great cafes and shops, so you can easily make a full day out of exploring this area 😊 Fun facts: - The Fushimi Inari shrine is dedicated to the Shinto god of rice, Inari. You will also see many fox statues around, as these are Inari's messangers. - The oldest structures of the shrine were built in 711, but most of what you see today was built in 1499 or later. New torii gates are still being added today. - The torii gates are sponsored by local and national companies. You can see their names written on the back. Top tips: - It can be quite a tiring walk, so wear sensible shoes and bring plenty of water. - Allow around 2-3 hours to walk up and down the mountain, enjoying the torii gates and views. - Arrive early to avoid the crowds. The shrine is open 24/7 so you can come any time of day or night. #bucketlistreboot #japan #kyoto