Kyoto

New Year stalls at Fushimi Inari

No barbecued sparrows but lots of other tasty treats!

Cathy Cawood Dec 29, 2014 - 1 min read

<p>Stalls line the main path into the shrine</p>

<p>Taiyaki are a little like waffles, and come filled with sweet bean past or custard. Tai is the Japanese word for sea bream.</p>

<p>Candy apples - also grapes, strawberries and mice!</p>

<p>It's not easy to decide what you want</p>

<p>This vendor is wearing a pirate hat!  </p>

The first time I ever went to Fushimi Inari, it was because I wanted to see the grilled sparrows that were mentioned in the Lonely Planet Guide. These days the sparrow have been replaced by grilled quail. There are also souvenir shops nearby that sell beckoning cats, Daruma dolls, fans and other souvenirs, and of course you can buy charms inside the shrine for protection, success and prosperity. However at New Year food stalls spring up everywhere, to sell candy, sweet bean filled cakes shaped like fish, octopus dumplings, fried noodles and many other delicious festive snacks to the crowds that visit the shrine at this time of year.

More info

Find out more about Fushimi Inari Taisha.

Cathy Cawood @cathy.cawood

I came to Japan in 2003 to teach English. I lived in Shiga prefecture for 1 year, and it still holds a special place in my heart. I lived in Kyoto for 9 years, then moved to Machida, Tokyo in 2014 after meeting my Japanese partner. I love to take photos, and my Japan in Pictures Facebook page ha...