Lanterns at Kifune-jinja Shrine

I visited Kifune Shrine as it was all hyped up on social media due to its water omikuji If you truly want to visit this temple and are in decent shape, I recommend you visit this temple in tandem with Kuramadera A word of advice. Start from Kurama station and not the Kibune side Starting from the Kurama side is already quite a hike but starting from the Kibune side is nothing but uphill for a long time So in my opinion is this temple worth a visit? Not on its own. But it’s nice if you add with the Kuramadera

Kibune Shrine really appreciated how calm it felt compared to more crowded shrines in central Kyoto. The location in the mountains gives it a cooler temperature and a more peaceful atmosphere. The stone steps with red lanterns at the main shrine are beautiful and well worth seeing. • The shrine is spread across three areas (Main Shrine, Yui-no-Yashiro, and Okunomiya), and it’s best to visit them in that order, walking uphill. • The water fortune (Mizu Omikuji) is a popular experience at the Main Shrine. The paper is blank at first and the message appears when placed in water. • Public transport takes some planning. Most people reach Kibuneguchi by bus, then walk a short distance uphill. • The paths include stairs and uneven ground, so comfortable shoes are recommended. • It’s quieter in the early morning or late afternoon. Transportation from Kyoto Station (two bus rides involved): Route overview: Kyoto Station → Subway → Bus → Bus → Kibune Shrine 1) Subway From Kyoto Station, take the Kyoto Municipal Subway Karasuma Line toward Kokusaikaikan. • Get off at Kokusaikaikan Station (K01) • Travel time: about 20 minutes • Fare: ¥290 2) Walk to bus stop Exit via Exit 4-1, then walk 3–5 minutes to the bus stop in front of the station. 3) First bus: Kokusaikaikan → Kibuneguchi From Bus Stop No. 3, take Kyoto Bus No. 54 or Special 54 bound for Kibuneguchi. • Do not take Bus No. 52 going toward Kurama or Kurama Onsen • Always check that the destination sign clearly says “Kibuneguchi” • Travel time: about 20 minutes (16 stops) • Fare: ¥310 • Board from the rear door, exit from the front • ICOCA / Suica accepted (tap when boarding and when getting off) 4) Second bus: Kibuneguchi → Kibune Shrine At Kibuneguchi, transfer to the local bus going up to Kibune Shrine (Main Shrine). • Short ride of a few minutes • Fare: about ¥200 • Board from the rear door, exit from the front • Only tap once when getting off • ICOCA / Suica accepted

A truely serene temple visit to get away from the popular Kyoto shrines. High up in the mountains early on a fresh morning was just what my soul needed. Highly recommend getting there early or even stay the night if accom is available.

Kifune, easily accessible from Kyoto is a small village trailing along the kibune river. You can opt to take a bus from Kibuneguchi station which brings you closer to Kifune shrine, though walking isn't so bad since the path is breathtakingly nature filled. Kifune shrine is dedicated to the water god, many come here to experience the water soaking fortune-telling at the main shrine. Further north the main shrine you can find many other shrines in particular the founding Kifune shrine. There is also many restaurants around the area which offers traditional riverside dining, something of an unique experience. Came here on a weekday during November, surprisingly crowded despite being in a pretty isolated location. I recommend starting from Kifune then proceeding to Kurama, it's more tiring going upwards but I prefer that than hiking down, the trail is also quite steep.