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Kifune Shrine: A Mystical Sanctuary of Water and Connection

Discover Kyoto's serene Kifune Shrine: a mystical water sanctuary with vermilion lanterns, ancient legends, and unique water fortunes.

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Nestled in Kyoto's serene northern mountains, Kifune Shrine is a Shinto sanctuary dedicated to the god of water, Takaokami-no-Kami. Revered for over 1,600 years, it offers a tranquil escape and is famed for its unique water divination and vibrant vermilion lanterns lining the stone steps to the main hall.

A brief summary to Kifune Shrine

Local tips

  • Visit all three shrines (Sanja-Mairi): the Main Shrine, Okunomiya, and Yui no Yashiro, to complete the traditional pilgrimage.
  • Try the unique 'mizuura mikuji' (water fortune-telling) at the Main Shrine for a mystical experience.
  • Dress comfortably with walking shoes, as the shrine has stone steps and the temperature is cooler than downtown Kyoto.
  • Consider visiting during the fall foliage season or winter snowfall for particularly stunning scenery.
  • If visiting in summer, experience 'kawadoko' dining at restaurants along the Kibune River for a refreshing meal.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Kyoto Station, take the Karasuma Line subway to Kokusai Kaikan Station. Transfer to the Eizan Electric Railway and ride to Kibune-guchi Station. From there, take Kyoto Bus No. 33 to the Kibune bus stop, followed by a 5-minute walk to Kifune Shrine. Alternatively, walk 20-30 minutes from Kibune-guchi Station to the shrine. The Eizan Railway from Demachi-Yanagi Station to Kibune-guchi Station costs ¥470. The Kyoto Bus No. 33 from Kibune-guchi to Kibune costs ¥200.

  • Taxi

    From Kyoto Station, a taxi to Kifune Shrine takes approximately 40 minutes and costs around ¥5,000-¥8,000. Note that traffic can be heavy, especially during peak seasons. Kifune Shrine has limited parking (800 yen / 2hours). Public transport is recommended due to limited parking.

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Discover more about Kifune Shrine

Kifune Shrine, located in the Sakyo ward of Kyoto, is a captivating spiritual haven dedicated to the deity of water, Takaokami-no-Kami. As the head shrine of approximately 2,000 water shrines across Japan, Kifune Shrine has been a revered site for over 1,600 years, with records indicating reconstruction efforts dating back 1,300 years. Legend says that Princess Tamayori-hime, mother of Japan's first emperor, traveled by yellow boat to the source of the Kamo River, where the shrine was established. The shrine complex comprises three main areas: the Main Shrine (Honmiya), the Inner Shrine (Okunomiya), and the Yui no Yashiro. Each site offers a unique experience, encouraging visitors to embark on the traditional 'Sanja-Mairi' pilgrimage, visiting the three shrines in order. The Main Shrine is known for its sacred spring water, which visitors can drink and use for water fortune-telling. The Okunomiya, a kilometer further up the valley, marks the original location of the shrine and houses a sacred rock said to be the burial site of the goddess's yellow boat. Yui no Yashiro, located between the Main Shrine and Okunomiya, is dedicated to the deity of matchmaking, Iwanaga-hime-no-Mikoto, and is a popular spot for those seeking blessings for love and relationships. Kifune Shrine is renowned for its mystical atmosphere, enhanced by the lush green mountains, the calming sound of the Kibune River, and the iconic vermilion lanterns lining the stone steps. The shrine is beautiful in all seasons, with fresh greenery in spring, cool breezes in summer, vibrant foliage in autumn, and snow-covered landscapes in winter. Visitors can also enjoy the unique 'kawadoko' dining experience in the summer months, where restaurants build platforms over the river, offering a refreshing escape from the heat.

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