Red banners, part of the Thousand Tori walk at Fushimi Inari, Kyoto.

I asked Google to translate the meaning of the banners, and this is what it gave. I have no way of knowing if it got it right though, so if anyone reads Japanese script I would love to know if the translation is correct.

FROM GOOGLE: "The red banners (called nobori) represent prayers and gratitude dedicated to specific Shinto deities.

Left Banners (Dark Red)
• 奉納 (Hōnō): The top two horizontal/vertical characters mean "Dedication" or "Offering." This indicates the banner was donated to the shrine by a worshiper.
• 大黒天 (Daikokuten): The banner further back names Daikokuten, the god of wealth, commerce, and agriculture.
• 弁財天 (Benzaiten): The banner closer to the front names Benzaiten, the goddess of music, arts, and water.
• 開運招福 (Kaiun Shōfuku): Written along the sides in smaller text, this translates to "Better fortune and bringing in good luck."

Right Banners (Bright Red)
• 天宇受売命 (Ameno-uzume-no-mikoto): The main vertical text names the Shinto goddess of dawn, mirth, and revelry.
• 芸能・ダンスの神 (Geinō / Dansu no Kami): The small text to the upper right of her name translates explicitly to "God of Performing Arts and Dance". People in entertainment, music, or dance donate these to pray for the improvement of their skills.

Large Torii Gate (Far Left)
• 和田電器株式会社 (Wada Electric Co., Ltd.): The large pillar on the left lists the name of the company that sponsored and donated that specific torii gate".