History
Kifune Shrine is a shrine located in Kurama Kifune-cho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City.
It is the head shrine of the water god, of which there are 2,000 shrines nationwide. Unlike the local name Kibune, the name is untainted and is simply called “Kifune.”
It has been worshiped as a god of rain since ancient times, and was one of the 85 shrines in the Engishiki during the Heian period.
It is worshiped not only by those in the agriculture and electricity industries, but also those in the water, food and drink, brewing, dyeing, and bath industries, and is also worshiped as a god of fire prevention and firefighting.
The date of its founding is unknown, but the shrine’s tradition states that it was founded during the reign of Emperor Hanzei.
The oldest record of reconstruction of the shrine building is in 666 (666).
Location
Kifune Shrine is located in the northeast of Kyoto city.
It takes about an hour and a half to get there from Kyoto Station.
To get to Kifune Shrine from Kyoto Station (JR), first take a bus to Demachiyanagi Station.
From there, take the Eizan Electric Railway to Kurama.
Then get off at Kifuneguchi Station and take a bus to Umemiyabashi.
During the autumn foliage season, the autumn leaves seen from the windows of the Eizan Electric Railway are beautiful.
Tips for Visiting
I recommend taking the Eizan Electric Railway to Kurama Station, rather than getting off at Kibuneguchi Station.
This way, you can see the beautiful Kurama Temple on the way, and walk along the mountain path that the ancient Japanese warriors, the Samurai, walked on.
