Kifune Shrine, also known as Kifune-jinja (or Kibune Shrine), is a Shinto shrine located in the mountains north of Kyoto, Japan. It is found in the small remote village of Kibune, about a 45 minute drive north from Kyoto’s city center. The shrine is dedicated to the deity Tamayori-hime-no-mikoto, who is believed to be the goddess of water and rain. Kifune Shrine is renowned for its unique setting and beautiful natural surroundings.
One of the notable features of Kifune Shrine is its picturesque approach, called “Yukiwa-zaka,” which consists of a stone stairway lined with lanterns leading up to the main shrine building. The shrine’s main hall, known as the Haiden, is constructed in the traditional Shinto architectural style, with a thatched roof and wooden pillars.
One of the most popular rituals at Kifune Shrine is the “Ubagaki,” or the Water-Drawing Ceremony, which takes place in early summer. During this ceremony, shrine priests draw water from the nearby Kibune River and offer it to the deities. It is believed that drinking the water from the shrine brings good luck and protection against disasters.
In the nearby area, you can find several restaurants, as well as a number of temples, pagodas. Most famous of which, is the ancient Kurama-dera temple, founded in 770AD. Additionally, during the summer months, the restaurants near Kifune shrine set up what is known as kawadoko. Kawadoko is a traditional style of eating in where platforms are built above a small river or creek where you dine, and is a great way to cool off in the heat of the summer.
Hours and Admission
- Hours: 6:00am - 8:00pm (6:00am-6:00pm from December to April)
- Free
- Average Time Spent: 30 minutes
- Official Website
Accessing Kifune Shrine
From Kyoto Station, it’s about a 1 hour, to a 1.5 hour one way journey using public transport, and can be done on trains, buses, or a combination of both.
The easiest way is on the train from Kyoto station, to Demachiuanagani Station on the Keihan main line, where you transfer on to the Eizan Kurama line through to Kibuneguchi Station. From there, you can walk for about 20 minutes through the scenic forest, taking in relaxing atmosphere.
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