How NFL Players Experience Kyoto's Iconic Fushimi Inari Shrine
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NFL Stars at Fushimi Inari Taisha: A Journey Through Crimson Torii Gates and Sacred Mt. Inari
Fushimi Inari Taisha is one of Kyoto’s most iconic landmarks and a top destination for visiting NFL players. Dedicated to Inari, the Shinto god of rice and business prosperity, the shrine is famous for its vibrant vermilion gates and spiritual atmosphere.
From the lively approach and grand historic main shrine to the surreal, tunnel-like Senbon Torii (Thousands of Torii Gates) and the deep, sacred trails of Mt. Inari, here is how NFL stars captured their unforgettable experiences.
1. From the Entrance to the Main Shrine (Honden)
Before entering a Shinto shrine, visitors pass under large wooden or stone gate structures called torii, which mark the boundary between the everyday secular world and sacred space.
K.J. Wright
Shown here is the stone torii gate near the entrance of the Ura-sando (back approach). While the main approach offers a solemn atmosphere, the back approach is lined with vibrant food stalls and local shops, giving visitors an energetic taste of traditional Japanese street culture.
Stefon Diggs
This shot looks out over the shrine grounds from near the exit of the back approach, perfectly capturing the lively and distinctive bustle of the area.
K.J. Wright
Another frame from K.J. Wright, taken in front of the Romon Gate (Tower Gate) before the main shrine hall (Honden). As one of the largest shrine gates in Japan, this historic structure stands much as it did when built roughly 400 years ago.
The low-angle shot highlights the grand scale of the architecture, contrasting beautifully with Wright’s quiet, meditative expression.
A’Shawn Robinson
Also posed in front of the Romon Gate, Robinson strikes a wide-open pose within a beautifully symmetrical composition, capturing the excitement of embarking on the shrine pilgrimage.
Be sure to check out his original Instagram post to see his fantastic expression.
Malik Turner
This shot features a torii gate and stone fox statue near the base of the stairs leading toward the main grounds. In Shinto tradition, foxes (kitsune) are not worshipped as gods themselves, but are revered as sacred messengers of Inari. They are often depicted holding symbolic items in their mouths, such as keys to rice granaries or jewels representing divine spirit.
Ricky Pearsall
Captured near the starting point of the iconic gate path, this shot showcases a striking contrast between the brilliant vermilion gates and the lush forest behind them. The visitors at the bottom provide scale, emphasizing the grand, otherworldly threshold as one steps from the human world into the sacred realm of Mt. Inari.
2. The Senbon Torii (Thousands of Torii Gates)
Passing the main shrine brings visitors to the iconic Senbon Torii section, where thousands of vermilion gates form vivid, tunnel-like pathways up the mountain.
A’Shawn Robinson
Based on the size of the gates and the subtle curve of the path, this was likely taken along the approach leading into the main gate tunnels. Using the gate’s frame to frame the shot naturally, it captures a fun, candid moment of a friend photographing Robinson on a smartphone.
Al-Quadin Muhammad
Shot from a similar location, this photo takes on a quiet, meditative tone. Dressed in a sleek indigo-style outfit with hands in his pockets, Muhammad stands out against the bustling tourist backdrop, exuding a sense of calm composure amidst the sacred surroundings.
Davon Godchaux
Setting a completely different mood, Godchaux poses alongside his partner, supermodel Chanel Iman. Set against the endless backdrop of red gates, this joyful couple’s shot perfectly conveys the fun of exploring Kyoto together.
K.J. Wright
Looking back through the gates from the reverse direction, this couple’s photo reveals the black kanji characters painted on the rear of each post. These inscriptions note the names of individual or corporate donors and the date the gate was dedicated as an offering of gratitude and prayer for success.
Russell Wilson
Taken from a dramatic low angle, this composition makes the gates appear to tower vertically into a geometric grid. Placing the power couple slightly deeper in the frame creates a carefully balanced perspective.
Alec Pierce
Captured inside the tightly packed twin pathways of smaller torii, this photo highlights the immersive “tunnel of light” effect that draws visitors into another world. The dramatic play between sunlight and shadow evokes the chiaroscuro lighting style of classic Western paintings.
Levi Onwuzurike
Slight movement blur combines with an entirely empty pathway to create a powerful sense of quiet isolation?as if walking alone through a mystical realm. The warm glow of a stone lantern in the upper right adds a subtle accent to the storylike mood.
JuJu Smith-Schuster
Looking away from the camera toward the gently curving pathway ahead, Smith-Schuster draws the viewer’s gaze deeper into the tunnel, evoking a sense of wonder about what lies just around the bend.
Kwity Paye
By positioning himself along the right frame, Paye opens up a dynamic view of the receding pathway. The classic red of the gates contrasts stylishly with his sleek black outfit, creating a sharp, editorial-style composition.
Malik Turner
Positioned on the left side of the frame, Turner leaves the curving path open to emphasize the depth and incline of the trail. Bowing his head with hands joined in quiet prayer, the photo reflects a deep, genuine respect for the sacred site.
3. Beyond the Main Gates: The Mountain Pilgrimage (O-yama-meguri)
While most casual tourists turn back after reaching the Okusha Hohaisho (Inner Shrine) at the end of the main Senbon Torii loop, the entire 233-meter (764 ft) mountain is considered sacred ground. A few athletes took on the full O-yama-meguri?a roughly 4-kilometer (2.5-mile) mountain circuit that leads up to the summit.
Cameron Jordan
Judging by the stone steps and surrounding foliage, Jordan ventured well past the lower shrine grounds onto the upper mountain trails. One heartwarming shot captures the NFL giant gently holding his young daughter’s hand to match her pace on the climb.
A second photo shows the duo playfully peeking out from behind a wooden gate post. Beyond the inner shrine, the trail turns into a steeper hike with continuous flights of stone stairs. Jordan’s caption, “Guess who conquered…”, reflects the genuine fun and proud fatherhood of completing the mountain trek together.
Malik Turner
Turner’s photos feature two important mountain altars (otzuka): Aoki Omiya and Suehiro Omiya. Located near the upper mountain loop and Yotsutsuji intersection, only around 10% of shrine visitors complete the hike up to these serene, forested peaks. Reaching these shrines is proof of a full summit pilgrimage.
Summary
From the lively street atmosphere at the entrance and the surreal red tunnels of the Senbon Torii to the tranquil, challenging trails near the mountain summit, NFL players captured Fushimi Inari Taisha through a wide variety of personal lenses.
Whether showcasing quiet art-directed angles, joyful moments with family, or the physical accomplishment of hiking to the top, these photos offer a uniquely athletic and personal look at one of Japan’s most revered sacred sites.