I Went to Kifune Shrine In Kyoto (and it was incredible)

Take me away from crowded streets and overpriced trinkets proving you were there. No shade against that side of travel (it is fun and worth it). But I needed something else, to feel a little more lost and taken away.

So I visited Kifune Shrine outside of Kyoto. It was perfect. Not off the grid by any stretch, it was busy, but not completely packed with people pushing for pictures.

It was close enough, but just far enough to be inconvenient for many. It’s the perfect place to experience Kyoto (beyond the typical touristy spots).

This is my review and experience in Kifune jinja. Let’s get into it then.

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Table of Contents

How to Get to Kifune Shrine (from Kyoto)

Kifune Shrine is 40 minutes from Kyoto. And you’ll need to take a couple of trains and a bus to get there. But it’s pretty simple and you’ll be able to sort of follow the crowd (many people are taking this route to get to Kifune Shrine).

Here’s how to get to Kifune Shrine from Kyoto:

1. Go to Demachiyanagi station

2. Take the Eizan Main Line Local towards Kurama

3. Transfer to the nearby bus at Kibuneguchi station 

4. Get Off At Kibune

5. Walk to the shrine (there are many signs and people to follow)

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How Much Time Do I Need to Visit Kifune Shrine?

30-60 minutes was plenty of time for me to take lots of pictures and do the good luck paper fortune.

Seeing Kifune Shrine is pretty quick once you’re there (it’s not that big), but it's the getting there that takes the longest.

After the shrine, we spent another couple hours walking around the streets exploring shops and eating lunch before heading to Kuramadera Temple, which takes significantly more time to see (more on that below).

What to Do Around Kifune Shrine

The paper fortune wall at Kifune Shrine

Buy A Kifune Shrine Water Fortune

One of the core things to do at Kifune Shrine is buy a paper fortune, O-mikuji (おみくじ). It’s popular at many shrines and temples throughout Japan.

By making a small offering (a couple hundred yen), you get to choose a random paper fortune that holds insights about your luck. It’s a nice way to experience Japan.

Here’s how it works at Kifune Shrine:

1. From the main gate, walk up the stairs to the temple at the top

2. Find the paper fortunes and pay for a blank fortune paper

3. Choose a paper from the stack and go to the nearby water (behind the temple)

4. Rest the paper on top of the water and watch your message appear once wet

5. Use Google Translate to read the message (unless you have a Japanese friend nearby)

6. Fold the fortune into a band and then tie it to the fortune wall

Enjoy the Food

Some restaurants next to Kifune Shrine are over the river

There are plenty of spots to grab lunch or dinner around Kifune Shrine…and since it’s Japan, you know it’ll be good!

But one of the most unique dining experiences is eating at one of the restaurants built over the river. You may need to make a reservation though. Also, keep in mind they may close early between lunch and dinner (they did when I visited on a Friday).

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Grab Some Souvenirs

While walking to Kifune Shrine, you’ll notice plenty of shops along the street with souvenirs and snacks.

Alternatively, you could keep your paper luck charm from the shrine as a souvenir (rather than tying it to a string on the fortune wall).

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Take Some Epic Kifune Shrine Photos

Kifune Shrine and the surrounding area is beautiful. There are tons of spots to grab an epic photo.

But even the train ride you take to get to (and leave) Kifune goes through beautiful mountainous forests in the Japanese countryside. It’s super cool.

You can grab some sweet pictures from the large train windows off to the side or from the back (for a shot of the train tracks) as you go through a tunnel of lush trees.

Check Out Kuramadera Temple

A view from the top; the temple and energy spot are behind

Nearby Kifune Shrine is another famous spot in Japan, Kuramadera Temple. But this one requires a little more walking, some light hiking and many steps to get to.

At the top of the mountain is said to be an energy vortex (a “power spot”). I took a taxi there with some friends, which only cost 1,500  yen. But you can also take a train (or walk if you’re feeling industrious).

We spent around 2 hours here (including hiking to the top, staying for a while for pictures and rest, and then heading back down).

There are restrooms at the top of Kuramadera Temple as well as a vending machine for drinks.

When’s the Best Time to Visit Kifune Shrine?

Like most places in Japan, avoiding the summer heat is a smart move. So visiting Kifune Shrine in the spring or fall is probably best.

But Kifune Shrine in the winter is also quite famous. The snow creates a beautiful atmosphere, with white blankets resting on orange torii gates and stone walkways.

Beyond seasonal timing, planning your trip during a weekday or at least later in the day is smart. And of course, avoid busy Japanese holidays (like Golden Week) if you can.

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So, Is Kifune Shrine Worth It? My Take

Kifune Shrine is amazing and definitely worth it. The biggest takeaway for me is the “vibe” of the whole area.

Kifune is surrounded by lush forests and aesthetic buildings sitting next to beautiful nature with a soundtrack of calming water from the nearby river running through the village.

Plus, it’s less touristy.

Of course, it’s still busy, but compared to the streets of Kyoto and other typical sightseeing spots, Kifune Shrine was a welcome break from the noise (and something a little different than the typical Kyoto itinerary).

And if you hike up to Kuramadera temple, you’ll likely find even less visitors (especially if you go later in the day).

Kifune Shrine is a bit far from Kyoto and requires a few train transfers, a bus ride and a bit of walking. But I promise you, it’s not too hard.

Besides, the best things in life usually take a little work.

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