伏見稲荷大社
Also known as Fushimi Inari Shrine
The mountain shrine with thousands of orange torii gates climbing the slope of Mount Inari — the most photographed shrine in Japan. Free, open 24/7, 10 minutes from Kyoto Station. The trick most tourists miss: the front gates are hammered with crowds, but the full mountain loop takes about two hours and thins out dramatically as you climb. The mossy inner retreat is the secret payoff.