Spontaneity – Taking the less traveled path

During our time in Kyoto over the Christmas period, Lucia and I went to visit “Fushimi Inari jinja”, a shrine, considered legendary across Japan due to its sheer number of red Torii gates.

The actual shrine building is at the base of Mount Inari, and whilst it is an impressive building, what people really come for is the Torii gates.  There are now well above one thousand of these Torii gates lining the climb up the mountain and as you ascend up the slopes and stairs you get to pass through most of them; a rather enchanting experience.  The bright red paint along with the length of the Torii gate tunnel instills a feeling of awe that makes climbing the mountain feel less like a challenge, and more like a privilege.  

That being said, we went on a Saturday…

…during a major public holiday…

…and the weather was lovely…

The trail. was. packed.

The grand descent began to feel like a queue for a theme park ride, and any awe we felt was quickly replaced with “Aww, I wish there were fewer people here”.

Whilst technically we were part of the ‘tourist’ pack ourselves, as we had also come a long way to enjoy the sight, we tried our best to stay out of people’s way and only stop for photos when there was no crowd that we would block.

With many tourists stopping in the tunnels to take photos and videos, themselves waiting for others to move ahead so they could get a good shot.  It all created a stop-start flow that became frustrating to navigate. 

So naturally, when the opportunity came to see a smaller shrine off to the side, Lucia and I took the chance immediately.

It originally was only meant to be a little breather, away from the crowds.  But upon finding a map we discovered there was actually an alternative route around the side of the mountain that appeared to be much quieter. 

Needless to say, we took that route.

We found a local bamboo forest, many Shinto graveyards (which are actually more mystical than creepy), and a lot of cats!  As well as perhaps the smallest shrine next to a gently trickling waterfall.

We could take our time without the pressure of the crowd behind, or speed up without bumping into someone.  It was the kind of free movement that you hope for when going for a hike.

After a fairly gentle slope most of the way, followed by a grueling 15 story stair climb, we reached the top and rejoined the crowds.  The sight at the top was spectacular and definitely worth the trip just by itself.  But personally, what sticks with me more is the discovery of that second route.

If travelling with Lucia has taught me anything so far, is that often the greatest adventures are the ones had spontaneously.  Whenever we decide to take a different route or to “just have a quick look over here”, we almost always find something special.

Spontaneity isn’t about just doing random things and not preparing at all.  It’s about making room for little discoveries, for changes to the plan.

So next time you find yourself thinking: “Hmm I wonder where that would take me…”

Do yourself a favour and take a little peek.

Variety is the spice of life after all!