Kifune shrine
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TEL :075-741-2016 Address :180 Kuramakibunecho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto Access :Eizan Railway Demachiyanagi Station > (train) > Kibuneguchi Station > (Kyoto Bus number 33) > Kibune bus stop > 5 minutes walk Parking :There is a parking lot(Paid) |
How to get to Kifune main Shrine
Kifune Shrine is located north of Kyoto. The Honmiya (main) shrine, the Yui (connection) shrine, and the Okumiya (inner) shrine are located along the Kibune River, and it is said that it is good to visit all three shrines.
It’s a gentle slope, but the abundant nature and the way along the river make it a very pleasant course.
From Kyoto Station, you can reach Kibuneguchi Station in about an hour by taking a train and then a bus. From Kibuneguchi Station, you can either walk for 30 minutes or take a bus from the station to Kifune Shrine.
Kifune main Shrine is a 5-minute walk from the bus stop.
Kifune Shrine is dedicated to the deity of water. The exact date of its founding is unknown, but it is said to have originated from a shrine built around 1600 years ago on a site where clear spring water gushed forth.
Water still springs from the grounds of the shrine, and you can drink it for free.
For information about the Kifune main Shrine, please see below.
Yui no yashiro (connection) shrine
It’s an 8-minute walk from the main shrine to the Yui (connection) shrine. This shrine is smaller than the other two. Walk carefully so you don’t miss the entrance.
This shrine enshrines a deity who, having experienced heartbreak herself, vowed to bestow good fortune in love upon worshippers.
It is said that Izumi Shikibu, a 10th-century poet, visited this shrine because she was troubled by her husband’s infidelity, and her wish was granted.
Here you can write down your wishes and tie them up.
There is a stone shaped like a ship within the shrine grounds. Ships are said to be vehicles of the deities. Kifune means “precious ship” in Japanese.
Next is the Okumiya (inner) shrine.
Okumiya (inner) shrine
It’s a 5-minute walk from Yui shrine to the Okumiya (inner) shrine. Along the way, there are Japanese cedar trees that grew from the same roots. This is likened to a happily married couple.
Then, after crossing a small bridge, you will arrive at the Okumiya (inner) shrine. Walking along the approach to the shrine and passing through the gate, you arrive at the spacious grounds of the shrine.
This is the place where Kifune Shrine was first built. There is a dragon’s lair beneath the main hall. However, it is said that no one should ever see it.
Within the shrine grounds, there is a shop where you can enjoy matcha tea and sweets.
Visiting all three companies and returning to the bus stop takes about 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours. If you have the time, I recommend crossing the mountains to visit Kurama-dera Temple.
