Kifune Shrine

Kifune Shrine (貴船神社) is a Shinto shrine located in the northern mountains of Kyoto, Japan, near the base of Mount Kurama. It is known for its beautiful natural setting, peaceful atmosphere, and association with water.

The shrine is dedicated to the Shinto deity Takaokami-no-kami, the god of water. The shrine’s main hall is built over a small waterfall, and visitors can drink from a sacred spring said to have healing powers.

Kifune Shrine is famous for its unique “mizuura mikuji” (water fortune) ritual, where visitors receive a blank slip of paper that reveals their fortune when floated on water.

To reach Kifune Shrine, visitors can take a train or bus from Kyoto Station to Kibuneguchi Station, followed by a short bus ride or a 30-minute walk. Alternatively, visitors can hike the Kurama-dera Trail from Kurama Station, though the route from Kifune Shrine to Kurama-dera Temple is generally considered easier.

In addition to the main hall, visitors can explore the Yui-no-Yashiro shrine dedicated to the deity of matchmaking and the Okumiya, the shrine’s original location further up the mountain. During the summer, visitors can enjoy traditional Japanese cuisine on “kawadoko” platforms set up over the Kibune River. In autumn, the shrine is illuminated, creating a magical atmosphere amidst the colorful foliage.

Getting there

By Train and Bus

From Kyoto:

1. Take the Eizan Railway from Demachiyanagi Station to Kibuneguchi Station
2. Journey time: 28 minutes
3. Cost: 470 yen
4. From Kibuneguchi Station, take Kyoto Bus 33 to Kibune bus stop
5. Journey time: 5 minutes
6. Cost: 200 yen

• Total journey time from Demachiyanagi: About 35 minutes

By Subway and Bus

From Kokusaikaikan Station:

1. Take Kyoto Bus 52 to Kibuneguchi
2. Transfer to Kyoto Bus 33 to Kibune bus stop
3. Journey time: About 30 minutes
4. Cost: 370 yen to Kurama

By Foot

• 5-minute walk from Kibune bus stop to the shrine

Details

Hours	9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Reception closes at 4:30 PM.
Admission	Adults: 600 yen High school students: 500 yen Elementary school and junior high school students: 400 yen
Phone	+81 75-781-5010
Address	42 Ichijoji Takenouchicho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, 606-8134
Official Website	https://kifunejinja.jp