Nestled at the base of Mount Kurama in Sakyo Ward, just a scenic 40-minute drive from the heart of Kyoto, lies the awe-inspiring Kifune Shrine.
This gem showcases its splendor in every season, from the vibrant hues of spring's new foliage to the captivating autumn leaves and the serene snow-covered landscape in winter. As soon as you lay eyes on this idyllic shrine embraced by nature, you'll instantly comprehend why it captivates numerous visitors all year round.
Kifune Shrine is Kyoto's Incredible Power Spot
Kasuga lanterns line the stone stairway leading up to the shrine. This otherworldly view representative of the shrine is often shown on TV and in magazines.
After ascending the approach to the shrine and once inside the precincts one must first purify oneself with water. On this day (January 13, 2017) the temperature was right around freezing—biting cold! This pure water cleanses one’s heart.
While the precise founding date of Kifune Shrine remains unknown, its historical significance is indisputable, dating back over a millennium.
The shrine's ancient origins can be traced through records of reconstructions conducted as far back as 1,300 years ago. Its sacred grounds house the revered deity Takaokami no Kami, the God of Water. The shrine's existence throughout antiquity is evidenced by its mention in revered Japanese texts such as the Kojiki (Records of Ancient Matters) and Nihon Shoki (Chronicles of Japan), which stand as testament to its enduring legacy.
Successive imperial courts also fervently worshiped here and the Emperor Saga is said to have given offerings of living horses when praying for rain or for rain to stop, and this is said to be where the votive cards picturing a horse originated.
The etymology of the shrine's name has long been a subject of debate, with various theories proposed. One prevailing belief suggests that the characters used to write "Kifune" signify "the wellspring of spiritual energy." This interpretation has persisted since ancient times.
Kifune Shrine holds a profound significance as a place imbued with the primordial essence of "Ki," the life force energy that permeates the Earth. For centuries, it has magnetized those seeking to harness the divine blessings of good fortune and prosperity.
Among the revered elements of the shrine, stands a magnificent 400-year-old katsura tree. Symbolically, this majestic tree represents the ascension of the Earth deity's energy, reminiscent of a soaring dragon reaching towards the heavens. Worshiped as a sacred embodiment of this divine form, it serves as a potent focal point for spiritual reverence.
As previously mentioned, Kifune Shrine venerates the deity of water, making the pristine water flowing within its grounds sacred. Visitors have the unique opportunity to take this sacred water home with them. If you have brought your own container, you are welcome to fill it directly from the source. However, for those who haven't come prepared, worry not! Within the shrine premises, you can conveniently purchase dedicated containers for this purpose. These containers, priced at 300 yen each, ensure that you can carry the blessed water with you as a cherished memento.
Also, floating the fortune slip on the sacred water will show your fortune. These water fortune-telling slips (200 yen each) are very popular. Be sure to give it a try when you visit.
Kifune Shrine's inner shrine: seek the divine virtue of “matchmaking”!
Kifune Shrine is composed of multiple sections, namely the main shrine, inner shrine, and rear shrine, all situated in close proximity. The inner shrine, known as Yuinoyashiro, holds a special significance as a sacred place dedicated to the power of matchmaking.
At the heart of Yuinoyashiro resides the enshrined deity Iwanagahime no Mikoto, who, according to folklore, is the divine entity overseeing the realm of matchmaking. It is believed that paying respects and offering prayers at this sacred site can invoke the deity's blessings for harmonious relationships and successful unions.
Legend has it that the poet Shikibu Izumi, troubled by her husband's inconstancy, visited the shrine and offered a poem seeking help and miraculously her wish was granted.
Today many worshipers visit the shrine seeking similar divine intervention.
Discover the place where Kifune Shrine was first built
This is the rear shrine and the place where the main shrine originally stood when Kifune Shrine was first built. Just as in the main shrine, Takaokami no Kami and Kuraokami no Kami are worshiped here.
Legend has it that Kifune Shrine's foundation is intertwined with a captivating tale. It is said that the shrine's origins trace back to the arrival of Tamayorihime no Mikoto, the revered mother of Emperor Jimmu, aboard a vibrant yellow ship named Kifune. The vessel navigated its way upstream, meandering through the Yodogawa River and the Kamogawa River, ultimately reaching the hallowed grounds where the shrine now stands.
According to the ancient lore, to safeguard the mystical yellow ship from prying eyes, it was concealed beneath a blanket of rocks. Over time, the ship has become adorned with a delicate tapestry of moss, serving as a testament to its clandestine resting place near the rear shrine. Today, this concealed relic stands enshrined, carrying with it the enduring echoes of a cherished legend.
Kifune Shrine's snow illumination in winter is beautiful—but so is each season
Experience the enchanting winter wonderland at Kifune Shrine during the annual "Kifune in the Snow" illumination event, held from January 1 to February 29. This captivating event showcases the mesmerizing beauty of the shrine adorned in a blanket of snow.
To enhance the atmosphere, "Kifune in the Snow" takes place exclusively on Saturdays when the grounds are transformed into a picturesque snowy landscape. Please note that the decision to hold the event is announced on the same day at 3:00 p.m. through the official website and social media channels. During the event, the main shrine takes center stage, aglow with a captivating illumination, casting a magical spell over the surroundings.
If you are lucky enough to be in Kyoto when it snows, please visit the shrine and enjoy the otherworldly winter scenery for memories that will remain with you long afterwards.
But visiting the shrine during the other seasons is also highly recommended. In the summer, a platform is erected at the Kibune River that flows beside the shrine, and many tourists gather to enjoy the cool air there. This is a time when the shrine is resplendent in bright, green colors.
In autumn, the trees in the Kifune Shrine grounds, the surrounding mountains, and along the approach to the shrine lined with shops are all bathed in the bright reds of the autumn colors.
Next trip, why not take a short day trip in Kyoto and visit this shrine and enjoy its unique tranquil scenery!
-
-
Address
180, Kuramakibunecho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto, 601-1112
View Map -
Nearest Station
Kibuneguchi Station (Eizan Dentetsu-kurama Line)
30 minutes on foot
- Phone Number 075-741-2016
-
Address
180, Kuramakibunecho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto, 601-1112
Text by: Myogaya Nobuhisa
- Area
- Category
*Prices and options mentioned are subject to change.
*Unless stated otherwise, all prices include tax.
Limited time offer: 10% discount coupons available now!
Recommended places for you
-
Menu
ISHIDAYA Hanare
Yakiniku
Kobe, Sannomiya, Kitano
-
Kyoto National Museum
History Museums
Kyoto Station, To-ji Temple
-
Myoshin-ji Temple
Temples
Arashiyama, Uzumasa
-
Jukuseiniku-to Namamottsuarera Nikubaru Italian Nikutaria Sannomiya
Izakaya
Kobe, Sannomiya, Kitano
-
Goods
Yoshida Gennojo-Roho Kyoto Buddhist Altars
Gift Shops
Nijo Castle, Kyoto Imperial Palace
-
Kamesushi Sohonten
Sushi
Umeda, Osaka Station, Kitashinchi
-
Everything You Need to Know About the Kansai Railway Pass
-
Taking Mom and Dad on a Trip to Osaka: How to Have Fun, Tips, Must-See Spots, and a 5-Day Itinerary
-
18 Must-Try Restaurants in Arashiyama: Savor Everything from Classic Cuisine to Trendy Cafés with Scenic Backdrops
-
13 Unique & Fun Kyoto Food Tours to Enjoy in 2024
-
What Items Does a Japanese Stationery Lover Want Most? We Find Out with Taku Kidate!
-
Comfy Toilet Map for Osaka Station: Can You Get Around with a Stroller? Are There Clean Powder Rooms?
-
Michelin Star Restaurants & More: 3 Best Okonomiyaki Shops in Dotonbori Osaka
-
Osaka Koreatown: In Search of the Best Eats in the Korean Roots of Osaka's Tsuruhashi Market
-
Discover Kyoto's Yasaka Shrine: Power Spots of Love and Health at the 'Plague Shrine'!
-
Nonomiya Shrine: Finding Love and Purity at Kyoto's Famous Power Spot
-
3 Best Hotels in Kobe, Japan with Amazing Views of Kobe Bay!
-
Toji Temple: Exploring Around the Famous Kyoto Pagoda in Autumn
- #best gourmet Osaka
- #things to do Osaka
- #what to do in kyoto
- #what to bring to japan
- #best gourmet Kyoto
- #new years in Osaka
- #what to buy in nanba
- #Visiting Osaka
- #onsen tattoo friendly arima
- #daiso
- #Visiting Kyoto
- #best japanese soft drinks
- #japanese fashion culture
- #japanese convenience store snacks
- #japanese nail trends