What other travelers are saying about Lanterns at Kifune-jinja Shrine
One of the best places to visit after sunset.
We were lucky to have visited Kyoto in maple tunnel season. The train ride was blissful and got down in one of the stations to visit Kifune shrine.
Took number 33 bus to get to the location. A short walk from bus stop. The walk itself is so serene due to the forest sounds, the water running sounds.
Then the temple itself is blissful. One of my favorite visits in Japan.
Please do not miss this if you are in Kyoto.
Okay, this is really a beauty. However that is because of the nature the shrine is embedded in. There are more impressive shrines in and of themselves, but it's the area that really makes it worth it.
The bus brings you to the local village from the train station, the way down you can do on foot.
Enjoy the restaurants, they really have a special view by integrating the water springs.
All in all, beautiful experience. Please donate a small sum so that the mountain will be continued to be preserved
i would love love love to go back to Kyoto again for a few temples/shrines and this is one of them. it was busy at the main shrine but if you head towards the rear shrine, you can enjoy the peaceful walk. we went there mid November and the autumn foliage was incredibly beautiful already with nice weather.
Magical and serene.⛩️🍃
Tucked deep in the Kyoto mountains, Kifune Shrine feels like a portal to another world. The iconic lantern-lined staircase is even more breathtaking in person, especially on a misty day. The forest air is crisp, the sounds are peaceful, and there’s a calm energy that’s hard to describe — you just have to feel it.
Perfect spot to pause and reconnect with yourself.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ A hidden gem in Kyoto – my favorite spot of the entire trip!
Kifune Shrine is hands down the most memorable and meaningful place I visited during my winter trip to Kyoto. Nestled halfway up a mountain and surrounded by dense forest, the shrine offers an incredibly fresh and peaceful atmosphere that feels far removed from the busy tourist sites in central Kyoto.
Getting there isn’t the easiest—it requires taking the subway and then two buses from the city center—but that’s exactly what makes this place so special. Because of the more challenging access, it’s not crowded with international tourists, especially large tour groups from China, which unfortunately tend to overwhelm many other Kyoto landmarks and often leave behind trash. In contrast, Kifune Shrine remains pristine and uncrowded, preserving its natural beauty and serenity.
Even in winter, the landscape here is breathtaking. A small, crystal-clear stream runs down from the mountain right next to the shrine, adding to the peaceful, sacred atmosphere. The locals clearly take great care of the environment, and everything feels clean and well-respected.
If you’re looking for a truly peaceful, spiritual, and scenic escape from the tourist crowds of Kyoto, this is the place. I can’t recommend it highly enough—it was the highlight of my trip!
The lanterns at Kifune-jinja Shrine serve both a practical and symbolic purpose. They guide visitors up the stone steps to the shrine and create a magical atmosphere that enhances the spiritual experience.
Yes, visitors are welcome to partake in water fortune-telling at Kifune-jinja Shrine. This ritual is believed to provide insight into one's future and bring good luck.
Yes, visitors can purchase small bottles of sacred water at Kifune-jinja Shrine as a souvenir or for personal use. It is believed that this water holds blessings and can bring good luck.
No, people of all ages are welcome to visit the Kifune-jinja Shrine and experience its beauty and spirituality.
No, Kifune-jinja Shrine is open every day of the year, allowing visitors to plan their trip at their convenience.
