Kifune Shrine (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is Kifune Shrine?
What makes it 63% Kids-Friendly: Kids enjoy watching fortunes appear in water and hanging ema, yet parents must watch them on long stone stairways, bring snacks, and cope with only basic toilets and no stroller access.
![[4K] Travel Diary to "Kifune Shrine" in Kyoto | Japan📙](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/IMAu6SzoHWo/hqdefault.jpg)
Positives:
- Hands-on rituals: Kids love floating fortunes and hanging ema together.
- Nature setting: Forest paths and riverbanks allow safe supervised play.
Challenges:
- Stone steps: Many stairs make strollers impractical; use a carrier.
- Limited seating: Few benches on trails; pack a small picnic mat to rest.
What is Kifune Shrine?
- A Shinto shrine complex at the headwaters of the Kibune River in northern Kyoto, dedicated to the water deity Kuraokami since the early 8th century.
- A three-tiered worship site consisting of the Hon-gū main hall, the Nakamiya middle shrine, and the Okumiya rear shrine, aligned along a moss-covered mountain trail illuminated by vermilion lanterns.
- Features vermilion-lacquered halls, moss-covered stone lanterns, and spring-fed pools used for the mizuura-mikuji water fortune ritual.
What is so special about Kifune Shrine for with kids?
- Float interactive water fortunes with kids
- Write and hang shared family wishes on ema
- Stroll lantern-lit forest paths beside mountain streams
- Picnic by the riverbank and dip toes in gentle water
- Enjoy riverside breaks at casual platforms with fish views
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: Enough time for shrine walk, water fortunes, ema tying, and riverside break.
Kids-Friendly Activities in Kifune Shrine
Walk the Three Shrines:
Follow lantern-lined stone steps from the main hall to the rear shrine.
Tip: Start at 9 AM for quieter paths and let kids count red lanterns.
Floating Water Fortune Slips:
Pay ¥200, place the paper on sacred water to reveal hidden messages.
Tip: Teach kids to scan the QR code for English translations.
Tie Ema Votive Plaques:
Buy a wooden plaque (¥700) and write wishes or drawings.
Tip: Let each child draw their wish and hang their plaque at the same spot.
Child Growth Omamori Charm:
Purchase a small omamori (¥500) for child health and protection.
Tip: Kids enjoy carrying their colorful charms in their pockets.
Riverside Play & Picnic:
Bring snacks or bento to eat by the riverbank and dip toes in water.
Tip: Pick a spot upstream where currents are gentle and shallow.
When is the best time to visit Kifune Shrine (Kyoto, Japan)?
In autumn, red leaves frame the lantern steps. In winter, watch light snow on mossy stones. From May to September, riverside decks open for cooling breaks.
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Reviews of Kifune Shrine (Kyoto)
Olive
visited during tanabata festival! such a wonderful place. wrote my wishes down and hung it up. the shrine has a peaceful aura and is the only place in Japan where u can get your fortune read through a water-based approach!
Eric Meulien
Beautiful mountain hike. Can be hot in summer past 9am. River restaurants open at 11am. The Kifune shrine is divided in several small shrines along the way. Free access. About 1h walk from the station. Most food places take cash only.
Sayuti Nurdin
Kifune Shrine in Kyoto, from June to July, offers a truly immersive experience in nature's tranquility. The vibrant summer greenery surrounding the shrine creates a striking contrast with the iconic red lanterns lining the stone steps, resulting in a visually captivating and spiritually uplifting atmosphere. Revered by many as a power spot, Kifune Shrine is believed to emanate positive energy fro...
Phan Hanh
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 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 easi...
Tara Constant
I really love this shrine! The entire place is surrounded by nature. The weather was perfect on the day we visited. The shrine is divided into several sections, and the farthest one requires a bit of a walk to reach. However, there are restrooms and plenty of drink vending machines along the way (with lots of unique Japanese-style beverages! A friendly warning though… some of them are *very* swee...
Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Transport (return by train & bus) | JPY 4,500 |
| Water fortune slips (4) | JPY 800 |
| Ema plaques (4) | JPY 2,800 |
| Child growth charms (2) | JPY 1,000 |
| Riverside snacks (4) | JPY 4,000 |
| Total Estimated | JPY 13,100 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Kifune Shrine
- Arrive early: Visit at opening time to avoid crowds and peaceful trails.
- Use a front carrier: Carry toddlers in a sling for safe, hands-free climbing.
- Pack snacks: Bring bentō for a riverbank picnic and save on café costs.
Map of Kifune Shrine
Address: 180 Kuramakibunechō, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, 601-1112, Japan
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About Kifune Shrine
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Website
Official WebsitePhone Number
+81 75-741-201610 BEST nearby Activities
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