What other travelers are saying about Kifune Shrine
Visiting Kifune Shrine 貴船神社 was a wonderful experience surrounded by nature and peaceful atmosphere. The moment you arrive, you can feel the cool mountain air and the gentle sound of the flowing stream, which already makes the place feel very refreshing. Walking up the famous stone steps with the red lanterns on both sides is a beautiful sight, and it creates a very memorable approach to the shrine.
The shrine itself feels quiet and spiritual, with a lovely setting among tall trees and clear water. It’s easy to understand why people come here to pray for good fortune and relationships. The natural scenery around the shrine changes beautifully with each season, especially during summer when the forest is full of green, or autumn when the leaves turn warm colors.
Kifune Shrine offers a calm escape from the busy city and a chance to enjoy Kyoto’s nature in a very charming way. It was a wonderful visit, and I would gladly return again to enjoy the atmosphere and beautiful surroundings. 🌿✨
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.
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
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.
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.
