Kifune Shrine

Anne Fernando 3 weeks ago

This shrine is extra scenic during autumn. Do note though that crowd starts to build up earlier. The shrine is dedicated to the deity of water and rain. Hence, its unique omikuji isn't a surprise -- you dip the seemingly blank paper into the shrine's water fountain and text will appear. Note though that this omikuji is only available in Japanese.

shelley luk 2 months ago

If you are driving just know the roads are very very narrow since it’s 2 way.(see video below) There isn’t a lot of parking on the way up coz mostly they belongs to restaurants but there is a parking way up the top. They charge you every 2 hours. (Sorry I forgot the price but I think it was about ¥800) Many many tourists so go early is you want to take good photos 😏

Kris C. 2 months ago

We decided to rent a car to hit up a few destinations that we a little more out of the way, and Kifune shrine was one of them. I had read reviews where the traffic and parking were frustrating, but we may have gotten lucky and stumbled upon a quiet afternoon. The roads were clear, and the drive through the small town and natural landscapes were enjoyable. There are little shops and restaurants scattered along the way up the hill that could make for a nice, easy hike up if you choose to transit and walk up. The late December air was a little chilly but pleasantly so and we only encountered several people. We dined at a nearby restaurant and tried their delicious fresh tofu dishes. For the shrine itself, the iconic path leading up is even more stunning in person. How the shrine is layered on different levels in itself is interesting. The water omukuji is also fun and fitting for the shrine, the qr code and translation was so helpful. Our overall experience was serene and rejuvenating from the busy itinerary we had so far. And somehow, we did leave with a feeling like we were cleansed, and our minds were lighter. We're glad we had this on our list. It's a nice trip out from the hustle and bustle of the city that we would recommend. We would definitely come visit again during a warmer season to dine on the waters and get a different experience.

T Tangkoskul 2 months ago

A small shire with famous red lantans along the stair. Kifune shire came from a legend of goddess Tamayori Hime that sailed a yellow boat from Osaka Bay up the river to this very spot, which gave the same of Kifune (Yellow boat). It is said that the local people pray to the water deity here, and in the olden days, they used to offer the Black Horse when there is drought and the White Horse when there is flood. So there are black and white horse statues in the shire. The shire is also a birth place for Ema (the wooden plaque that is used for offer prayer and wish that you hand up in the shire). The sacred water that drops down from the mountain is beautiful and makes you feel spititual. There is a fortune telling that you have to flote in the water for the fortune to appear. (QR code for English translation) We went on the weekend and there were a lot of both local and international tourists so we could not enjoy it as much as we should. So i would recommend going on weekdays instead. Tips : - We planned a one day trip starting from Kamigamo , Shimogamo, Kamo Delta, and then Kifune, and it turned out to be perfect for us in terms of timing and travelling So you could check out this route if you are interested. - In autumn, there is a Maple tunnel along the Eizan railway. - Kyoto Bus No. 33 from the train station to Kifune cost 170 yen and may not operate all year round and only operates at night during festive season. So be sure to check with Kifune website before you visit.

Imran Ahmed 3 months ago

We took a short day trip from Kyoto to the Kifune shrine. Truth be told, the trip can be squeezed into a half day outing for travelers with limited time. We decided to walk the approximately 2+ kilometers from the local train station to the shrine. Given the cool December weather this was a comfortable - though uphill - trek. (Local buses are easily available for those not wishing to walk.) We had read about the town and the shrine before deciding on this venture. The reality is that shrines are a lot like churches - or mosques. Very few have the 'wow' factor and if you've seen a few then it's not easy to get excited about another one. Commercial establishments like cafes, shops, etc are sparse in the town. (No McDonald's and Starbucks thank God!) There are a few places to eat lunch but prices were very, very high. Do your research before planning on a meal around the shrine. All said and done, it was a worthwhile experience. It got us out of Kyoto and into a beautiful natural scenic environment. The town was easily accessible by train and the journey was about one hour. If you have a spare day in Kyoto and don't wish to wander city streets aimlessly then Kifune Shrine should be on your list!