Fushimi Inari Taisha asks visitors to show some respect after dance videos filmed beneath its famous torii gates spark criticism online.

One of the things that draws tourists to Kyoto is its shrines and temples, which have been beautifully preserved for centuries. However, as the world changes around these historic sites, new problems have cropped up, including overtourism and the desire for fame and likes on social media.

As a result, one of Kyoto’s most famous shrines, Fushimi Inari Taisha, has recently become the stage for a number of individuals who think it’s okay to perform dances on its sacred grounds, all in a bid to gain views. After these videos were widely circulated online, they received a fair amount of clapback from viewers who criticised the thoughtless acts, and now the shrine itself has come forward with a message in response to the social media storm.

One of the recent videos, shared on TikTok and Twitter in early September, showed foreign tourists dancing beneath the shrine’s famous torii gates, blocking the path of other visitors who could be seen waiting for the group to finish their routine. Not only were they blocking the path, but members of the group could be seen entering from outside the walkway, interfering with the natural environment, which according to Shinto religion, is considered sacred.

In fact, the entire grounds is considered sacred, including the approach, where a group of Maori women from New Zealand recently filmed themselves while performing a traditional poi dance. This clip was also met with criticism from the wider community, including from New Zealand-born professional wrestler Henare, who is of Maori heritage. He pointed out that dancing in sacred places also goes against Maori customs and apologised for the incident. He said he had tracked down the people involved and asked them to make a substantial donation to Fushimi Inari Taisha as an apology.

▼ The approach is said to be the pathway for the gods, and is so sacred that etiquette dictates visitors should walk on the sides rather than the very middle.

With other dance videos being filmed at the site and shared online, Fushimi Inari Taisha responded on 7 September with a notice in both Japanese and English reminding visitors to observe proper manners. It explained that the shrine grounds are a sacred area and place of prayer with more than 1,300 years of history.

In an interview with Japanese media outlet J-Cast News, the shrine confirmed that videos had indeed been filmed on its grounds and went on to say that staff will approach visitors whenever they spot prohibited or disruptive behaviour.

Although no damage had been reported in connection with the dancing, the shrine said it was disappointed that these visitors failed to understand the cultural significance of the site.

It’s worth remembering that although shrines like Fushimi Inari Taisha are places of beauty, they are not dance studios, and they are not spaces owned by tourists. They are places where spirits reside, gods are worshipped, and people come to pray. And as more people become familiar with temple and shrine etiquette in Japan, the video that you think will go viral might just land you in hot water and leave you being cancelled instead.

Sources: J-Cast News via Jin, Yahoo! Japan News
Featured image: Pakutaso
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