What other travelers are saying about Kifune Shrine
One of the best places to visit after sunset.
We were lucky to have visited Kyoto in maple tunnel season. The train ride was blissful and got down in one of the stations to visit Kifune shrine.
Took number 33 bus to get to the location. A short walk from bus stop. The walk itself is so serene due to the forest sounds, the water running sounds.
Then the temple itself is blissful. One of my favorite visits in Japan.
Please do not miss this if you are in Kyoto.
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
i would love love love to go back to Kyoto again for a few temples/shrines and this is one of them. it was busy at the main shrine but if you head towards the rear shrine, you can enjoy the peaceful walk. we went there mid November and the autumn foliage was incredibly beautiful already with nice weather.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 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!
Kifune Shrine, a serene sanctuary nestled in the verdant mountains north of Kyoto, is dedicated to the deity of water and rain. This ancient shrine complex, over 1600 years old, comprises three shrines, each offering unique spiritual and aesthetic experiences.
Accessing Kifune Shrine involves a scenic journey from Kyoto Station to Kibuneguchi Station, followed by a bus or taxi ride. For those inclined to a leisurely approach, a walk from Kibuneguchi Station through the beautiful countryside is also an option. Upon arrival, a set of lantern-lined stairs leads visitors to the shrine's main hall.
Kifune Shrine is celebrated for its water-based fortune telling, mizuura mikuji, where fortunes appear on paper when immersed in water. Additionally, the shrine's architecture, particularly the Nagare-zukuri style of the main hall and the striking stone staircase showcases traditional Japanese design. Various festivals and events throughout the year, including the enchanting Yuki Matsuri (Snow Festival), offer visitors a deeper connection to Japanese culture and the shrine's spiritual ambiance.
After visiting Kifune Shrine, you can explore the charming town of Kibune, the mystical Kurama-dera Temple, and the majestic Mt. Hiei, enriching your spiritual and cultural journey in Kyoto.
The shrine's origins are steeped in legend, with connections to water deities important for agriculture and Japan's prosperity. For centuries, it has been a pilgrimage site for emperors and commoners, seeking blessings for rain and water. Additionally, the shrine has been linked to poetic inspirations and is a celebrated spot for matchmaking, further embedding it in Japan's cultural and spiritual fabric.
