Famous Kyoto shrine has a message for foreign tourists who think it’s okay to dance at sacred sites

Fushimi Inari Taisha, a celebrated shrine in Kyoto, has issued a message to foreign tourists who have been seen dancing on its sacred grounds, garnering criticism on social media. The shrine, known for its centuries-old preservation, has faced new challenges, such as overtourism and the pursuit of online fame. A video from early September showed tourists dancing beneath the shrine's famed torii gates, blocking the paths of others and entering from outside the walkway.

Another video captured Maori women from New Zealand performing a traditional poi dance on the approach, which is considered sacred. Critics, including New Zealand-born professional wrestler Henare, pointed out that such actions violate Maori customs. Fushimi Inari Taisha addressed the issue on September 7, both in Japanese and English, reminding visitors that the shrine is a sacred area, a place of prayer with a history of over 1,300 years.

Despite no damage reported, the shrine expressed disappointment in the lack of understanding of the site's cultural significance. The shrine emphasized that places like Fushimi Inari Taisha are not dance studios or spaces owned by tourists; they are meant for spirits, gods, and prayer. As more people become aware of temple and shrine etiquette in Japan, what might seem like a viral video could instead result in backlash and cancellation.