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 a 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 (ema) picturing a horse originated.

The etymology of Kifune Shrine's name has long been a topic of debate, with various theories proposed. One prevalent belief suggests that the characters used to write "Kifune" signify "the wellspring of spiritual energy." This interpretation has endured since ancient times.

Kifune Shrine holds profound significance as a place imbued with the primordial essence of "Ki," the life force energy that permeates the Earth. For centuries, it has attracted those seeking to harness divine blessings for good fortune and prosperity.

Among the shrine's revered elements is a magnificent 400-year-old katsura tree. Symbolically, this majestic tree represents the ascension of the Earth deity's energy, akin to a soaring dragon reaching toward 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, rendering the pristine water flowing within its grounds sacred. Visitors have the unique opportunity to take this blessed water home with them. If you have brought your own container, you are welcome to fill it directly from the source. However, if you haven't come prepared, don't worry! Within the shrine premises, you can conveniently purchase dedicated containers for this purpose. These containers, priced at 300 yen each, allow you to carry the sacred 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 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.

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.

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 PM through the official website and social media channels. During the event, the main shrine becomes the focal point, aglow with a captivating illumination that casts 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!

While you are in the area visiting Kifune Shrine, it's worth hiking to Kurama-dera Temple, a mountain temple in Northern Kyoto renowned for its spiritual energy and natural beauty.

Kurama-dera was founded in the 8th century and is steeped in legends about tengu (long-nosed goblins) and Minamoto no Yoshitsune, a famous samurai who trained there. The hike up Mount Kurama takes you through verdant forests with towering Japanese cedars, passing shrines and pagodas along the way.

At the summit, the main temple buildings offer breathtaking views over the surrounding mountains. You can also continue hiking along the sandō path to the nearby village of Kibune.

A highlight is the annual Kurama Fire Festival on October 22, where torches and bonfires illuminate the night, celebrating the temple's spiritual heritage.

Text by: Myogaya Nobuhisa

(Ed. note: This article was originally written on a trip done in 2017. Prices and other facts have been confirmed in June 2024.)