Fushimi Inari Taisha faces backlash over tourist dance videos

Controversy has erupted at Fushimi Inari Taisha in Kyoto after videos of foreign tourists dancing near the iconic Senbon Torii (thousand torii gates) went viral on social media. The footage, which began circulating around September 5, shows a group of individuals performing dances in the sacred area, appearing to obstruct the path of other visitors waiting to pass.

This incident follows a similar issue in May, when over 100 bamboo stalks in the surrounding area were found to have been vandalized with graffiti. While the dancing does not involve physical damage to the structures, the incident has highlighted a growing tension between tourists treating the site as a backdrop for social media content and worshippers who view it as a sacred place of prayer.

Fushimi Inari Taisha has stated on its official website that photography that disturbs worshippers or local residents, as well as filming that occupies space for extended periods, is prohibited. The situation has fueled broader discussions regarding overtourism in Japan and the need for clearer, multilingual communication of local etiquette and rules to international visitors.