Historical
Kyoto's Historic Kifune Jinja
Sandra IsakaSet deep in the mountains of Kyoto, historic Kifune Jinja is a great place to visit for those who want to see a different side of..
Kifune Shrine
Kifune Shrine, nestled in the picturesque mountain town of Kibune, is said to be over 1,300 years old and is dedicated to the god of water. The complex has three shrine buildings along the mountainside: the main shrine (front shrine), Yui no Yashiro (middle shrine), and Okunomiya (rear shrine). A common pilgrimage path is to visit the main shrine first and then go to the rear one, before ending your journey at the middle shrine.
One of the shrine’s most notable features is its lantern-lined stone steps. The brilliant coloring of the red lanterns compliments the surrounding nature during all seasons—whether it's the verdant foliage of spring and summer, the fiery leaves of autumn, or the pure-white snow of winter. No matter the season, the ascension to the shrine is always a magical one.
The first and main shrine building has a modest wooden facade with sparse gold accents that perfectly reflect the encircling forests. Located in front of the building is a stone wall with a small fountain of sacred water (goshinsui) where you can have a sip of the crisp mountain water. The shrine also offers a unique form of fortune telling called mizuura mikuji. After you purchase the fortune telling sheet, place the paper in a fountain near the shrine. As the water seeps through the paper, it will reveal your fortune!
The middle shrine (Yui no Yashiro) is smaller in size and is known as a shrine for love. Legend has it that Ninigi no Mikoto, great grandfather to Emperor Jinmu, did not receive the hand of the woman he wished to marry. As a result, he proclaimed that he would remain at the temple and bless people with good relationships.
The last shrine (Okunomiya) is the location of the original main shrine before it was flooded in the 11th century. According to the legend of Kibune’s founding, a goddess landed at the area that is today Okunomiya on a holy boat. The stones to the left of the shrine are said to contain the goddess’s boat. The shrine is also built over what is said to be a ryuuketsu, or a dragon’s den. The ryuuketsu, coupled with the sacred boat, make the area a spiritual power spot.
Overview
Address
180 Kuramakibunecho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto (Map) (Directions)Hours
6:00 - 20:00 Closed nowOpening Hours
Monday
6:00 - 20:00
Tuesday
6:00 - 20:00
Wednesday
6:00 - 20:00
Thursday
6:00 - 20:00
Friday
6:00 - 20:00
Saturday
6:00 - 20:00
Sunday
6:00 - 20:00
Holidays
6:00 - 20:00
Price
Free
Phone Number
075-741-2016Website
Access
Take the Keihan Train Line to Demachiyanagi Station and then transfer to the Eizan Train Line. Get off at Kibune-guchi Station. From the station, take Kyoto Bus Route 33 to Kibune Bus Stop. Then, walk about 5 minutes to Kifune Shrine.
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