Overview (history, characteristics, attractions)
Kifune Shrine is an ancient shrine located in Kurama Kifune-cho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City, dedicated to the water god Takaokami-no-kami as its main deity. Since ancient times, it has been worshipped as a god of water blessings and rainmaking, and since the Heian period, it has been revered by the imperial family and aristocrats. The shrine grounds are spread among the mountains along the Kifune River, and are characterized by the three shrines - the main shrine (Hon-sha), the middle shrine (Yui-sha), and the inner shrine - scattered along the approach to the shrine. Beautiful scenery can be enjoyed in every season, from the contrast of the clear stream with the fresh greenery and autumn leaves, the stone steps and moss-covered approach, to the riverside dining of the restaurants lining the river, making it a popular tourist destination for relaxation, where nature and faith come together in harmony.
Highlights
- A tour of the three shrines, Hongu, Chugu, and Okumiya: Each shrine has its own unique charm, and the mountain path leading to Okumiya is charming with its tranquility and the sound of the clear stream. Okumiya is located closer to the source of the stream, giving it a more solemn atmosphere.
- Mizuuranai (water fortune-telling): A unique fortune-telling technique in which the letters appear when you float a paper fortune-telling slip in water. This is a famous item that also makes a great souvenir (you can purchase the special paper and fortune-telling slips on the grounds).
- Kawadoko (seating along the river): In the summer, restaurants and teahouses along the Kifune River set up a riverside seating area where you can enjoy your meal while cooling off (many require reservations).
– Natural scenery and photo spots: In the seasons of young leaves and autumn leaves, the combination of moss-covered stone steps, vermilion torii gates and clear streams makes for great photos.
- Festivals and illuminations: Depending on the season, night illuminations and festivals are held, creating a fantastical atmosphere (the dates vary from year to year, so please check in advance).
Access (nearest station, transportation, etc.)
- Nearest station: Eizan Electric Railway (Eiden) Kifuneguchi Station (Kifune Shrine can be accessed from Kifuneguchi Station by bus or taxi).
– General directions:
1. Demachiyanagi (Keihan Electric Railway) → Eizan Electric Railway to Kifuneguchi: Take the Eizan Electric Railway (Kurama Line) from Demachiyanagi Station and get off at Kifuneguchi Station. From the station, take a Kyoto Bus or taxi to the Kifune village (about 10 minutes by bus, or a few minutes to 10 minutes by taxi).
2. Hiking from Kurama Station: Take the Eizan Electric Railway to Kurama Station, then take the hiking trail (Kurama to Kifune Road) from the direction of Kurama Temple. It takes about 40 to 60 minutes (depending on your stamina and walking speed) to reach the summit (there are mountain paths and ups and downs, so hiking gear is recommended).
3. Access by car: Approximately 30-50 minutes from central Kyoto (depending on road conditions). Parking is limited and often full during peak seasons. We recommend using public transportation.
- Estimated travel time (travel): It takes approximately 60 to 90 minutes from Kyoto Station by public transportation (subway, Keihan, Eizan Electric Railway, bus, etc.).
Estimated stay (estimated time required)
– Visiting the main shrine only + taking photos: 30-45 minutes
– Tour of the three shrines, Hongu → Chugu → Okumiya (including a stroll and water fortune telling): 1-2 hours
- Including hiking from Kurama: Half a day to a full day (3-5 hours)
- If dining on the riverside: 2-3 hours including meal time (advance reservations recommended)
Nearby spots
- Kurama-dera Temple: An ancient temple located on the slopes of Mount Kurama. It can be reached by hiking from Kifune. It is famous for its views from the summit, the Niomon Gate, and its worship of Bishamonten.
– Kurama Onsen (hot spring inn in the Kurama area): Perfect for relaxing after a hike (some facilities offer day-use bathing).
– Kifune Riverside Dining and Restaurant District: A charming riverside restaurant. A popular summer sight.
- Philosopher's Path and Ginkakuji Temple (by car/public transport): Convenient for combining with sightseeing in Rakuhoku.
- Mount Hiei Enryakuji Temple (accessible by car): If the weather and time permits, you can visit both places.
Things to be aware of (crowds, manners, seasonal precautions, etc.)
- Crowds: It gets especially crowded during the new greenery (May), autumn foliage (mid- to late November), summer weekends (with visitors to the riverside terraces), and consecutive holidays (Golden Week, autumn tourist season). If you want to take your time worshiping and taking photos, we recommend visiting on a weekday or early in the morning.
- Clothing and footing: The approach to the shrine has many stone steps and mountain paths, and there are slippery sections. Please wear comfortable shoes (sneakers or trekking shoes recommended). It is especially slippery in rainy weather.
- Manners: Shrines are places of worship. Please observe basic worship etiquette, such as bowing once at the torii gate, purifying yourself at the temizuya (purification fountain), bowing twice, clapping twice, and bowing once at the worship hall. Also, please be considerate and do not disturb other worshippers taking photos or praying.
- Photography: Photography is permitted in most areas of the temple grounds, but please refrain from taking unauthorized photos inside the worship hall, during festivals, or of people praying. Please follow the instructions posted on the information boards.
- How to handle your Mizuuran fortune slip: The fortune slip will get wet as it is floated in water to read the writing. It is convenient to bring a bag to easily handle the wet paper when you take it home.
- Note for those travelling by car: The roads around the approach to the shrine are narrow and parking spaces are limited. When the parking lot is full, you will need to walk or use public transport from a distant parking lot.
- Respect for the natural environment: In order to protect the rivers and mountains, please be considerate and remember to take your trash with you, enjoy the park quietly, and so on.
- Weather: The weather is changeable in the mountains, so please bring rain gear and cold weather gear. In winter, the approach to the shrine can be dangerous due to snow and ice.
(Additional Information) Before visiting, it's a good idea to check the official website or tourist information for information on illuminations and special events, transportation status, riverside dining opening hours, parking information, etc. Have a nice trip.
