DATE:		February 10, 2006
PLACE:		Fushimi-inari-taisha Shrine 68 Fukakusa-yabunouchi-cho, Fushimi-ku, Kyoto
DIRECTION:		JR Nara Line at Fushimi-inari station
TEL:		81-75-641-7331
ADMISSION:		Free
TEXT:		On the first day of the horse (according to the Chinese zodiac) in every year, the Hatsuuma (first horse) Taisai Festival is held at the Fushimi-inari-taisha Shrine. The festival had its origin in 711, when it is believed that the God Inari-omikami came down to earth. It is also called “Fuku-mairi” or “Fuku-inari” (“fuku” means good luck) and attracts a number of visitors every year. At the shrine, visitors receive a “Token of Cedar” to wish for prosperity in business and the safety of family, which has been a very popular custom since the old days.