Kifune Shrine

Okay, this is really a beauty. However that is because of the nature the shrine is embedded in. There are more impressive shrines in and of themselves, but it's the area that really makes it worth it. The bus brings you to the local village from the train station, the way down you can do on foot. Enjoy the restaurants, they really have a special view by integrating the water springs. All in all, beautiful experience. Please donate a small sum so that the mountain will be continued to be preserved

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ A hidden gem in Kyoto – my favorite spot of the entire trip! Kifune Shrine is hands down the most memorable and meaningful place I visited during my winter trip to Kyoto. Nestled halfway up a mountain and surrounded by dense forest, the shrine offers an incredibly fresh and peaceful atmosphere that feels far removed from the busy tourist sites in central Kyoto. Getting there isn’t the easiest—it requires taking the subway and then two buses from the city center—but that’s exactly what makes this place so special. Because of the more challenging access, it’s not crowded with international tourists, especially large tour groups from China, which unfortunately tend to overwhelm many other Kyoto landmarks and often leave behind trash. In contrast, Kifune Shrine remains pristine and uncrowded, preserving its natural beauty and serenity. Even in winter, the landscape here is breathtaking. A small, crystal-clear stream runs down from the mountain right next to the shrine, adding to the peaceful, sacred atmosphere. The locals clearly take great care of the environment, and everything feels clean and well-respected. If you’re looking for a truly peaceful, spiritual, and scenic escape from the tourist crowds of Kyoto, this is the place. I can’t recommend it highly enough—it was the highlight of my trip!

This beautiful shrine was so peaceful. Got there at 6am via taxi and only saw 3 other people. The latterns were still glowing on the trail. We got to walk through and take our time without feeling rushed through prayers and photos. On our walk down, we started passing several families and busses. Glad we went early!

Magical and serene.⛩️🍃 Tucked deep in the Kyoto mountains, Kifune Shrine feels like a portal to another world. The iconic lantern-lined staircase is even more breathtaking in person, especially on a misty day. The forest air is crisp, the sounds are peaceful, and there’s a calm energy that’s hard to describe — you just have to feel it. Perfect spot to pause and reconnect with yourself.

Kifune Shrine, nestled in the forested mountains of Kyoto, is a serene Shinto shrine dedicated to the deity of water. Famous for its atmospheric stone steps lined with red lanterns, it offers a peaceful escape from the city. Visitors can experience traditional water fortune-telling, enjoy the riverside setting, and soak in the mystical ambiance, especially in summer and autumn. It’s a beautiful spot combining natural beauty, spirituality, and Japanese tradition.