66 Across

NYT Daily • August 3, 2025

City whose Fushimi Inari shrine features 10,000+ red torii gates

Answer:

KYOTO

Hint:

["Here’s a helpful hint for the clue:\n\n*\"This former imperial capital of Japan is famous for its traditional tea houses and golden pavilions.\"*\n\nThis hint:\n- Narrows the focus to a historically significant Japanese city.\n- References other well-known cultural landmarks in Kyoto (like Kinkaku-ji, the Golden Pavilion) without repeating the original clue.\n- Avoids giving away the answer directly while making it easier than the original clue."]

Explanation:

The clue **"City whose Fushimi Inari shrine features 10,000+ red torii gates"** leads to the answer **"KYOTO"** through a straightforward definition-based reference. - **Fushimi Inari Shrine** is one of Japan's most famous Shinto shrines, renowned for its thousands of vibrant red *torii* gates that form winding trails up Mount Inari. - The shrine is located in **Kyoto**, a historic city in Japan known for its traditional temples, shrines, and cultural landmarks. - The clue directly points to Kyoto by naming a specific, well-known attraction within the city, making the answer clear to those familiar with Japanese landmarks. No wordplay or puns are involved—this is a direct cultural and geographical reference.