Niukawakami Shrine (Upper)
丹生川上神社上社
Nara · Yoshino-gun, Kawakami-mura
Niukawakami Rain & Weather
Kifune Shrine
貴船神社
/ Kifune Jinja
Admission
Free
Goshuin
300 yen
Access
25 min walk
Hours
6:00-20:00 (varies)
Overview
Kifune Shrine is tucked into a narrow valley in the mountains north of Kyoto, dedicated to the water deity Takaokami-no-Kami. As the source of water that feeds Kyoto, the shrine has been venerated since ancient times by anyone whose livelihood depends on water -- from farmers to brewers to dyers. The shrine is famous for its water fortune-telling: visitors place a blank fortune slip on the sacred water, and the message gradually appears. It is also one of Kyoto's premier matchmaking shrines. The approach up the stone stairs lined with red lanterns is photogenic in every season, but especially magical when blanketed in snow with evening illumination -- widely considered one of Kyoto's most beautiful winter scenes.
Enshrined Deities
⛩
primary Deity
Deity of rain, water, and drought relief; born from the blood of the slain fire god Kagutsuchi; enshrined at Kibune Shrine
Blessings
Shrine Network
Kifune Head shrine (souhonsha)
Did You Know?
💡
The water fortune-telling involves placing a blank paper on sacred water; the fortune appears as the paper gets wet.
Source: documented
💡
The shrine name 'Kifune' means 'yellow boat,' from a legend that the goddess Tamayorihime arrived by boat from Osaka.
Source: tradition
Practical Information
Location Coordinates
35.1219, 135.7628
Physical Address
180 Kurama Kibune-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
京都府京都市左京区鞍馬貴船町180
Historical Province
Yamashiro / Tanba / Tango
Access
Kibuneguchi Station (Eizan Railway)
25 min walk
Hours
6:00-20:00 (varies)
Bus
Shuttle bus from Kibuneguchi
Best Times to Visit
summer (kawadoko dining, green foliage)winter (snow-lit steps)autumn (foliage)
Foreign Language Support
English (pamphlet)
Accessibility
Limited (mountain valley)
Official Website
https://kifunejinja.jp/
Visitor information last verified: 2026-04-06. Please check the official website for the latest details.
Why This Shrine
A mountain water shrine with magical water fortune-telling. The snow-lit stone steps are one of Kyoto's most beautiful scenes. A top matchmaking shrine.
Related Shrines
Learn More About Shinto Shrines
Background reading for visitors and pilgrims.
Frequently Asked Questions
Information provided by Jinja DB Editorial Team
What is Kifune Shrine?
Kifune Shrine is tucked into a narrow valley in the mountains north of Kyoto, dedicated to the water deity Takaokami-no-Kami. As the source of water that feeds Kyoto, the shrine has been venerated since ancient times by anyone whose livelihood depends on water -- from farmers to brewers to dyers. The shrine is famous for its water fortune-telling: visitors place a blank fortune slip on the sacred water, and the message gradually appears. It is also one of Kyoto's premier matchmaking shrines. The approach up the stone stairs lined with red lanterns is photogenic in every season, but especially magical when blanketed in snow with evening illumination -- widely considered one of Kyoto's most beautiful winter scenes.
Where is Kifune Shrine located?
Kifune Shrine is located in Kyoto-shi, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto. The full address is: 180 Kurama Kibune-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto.
What deities are enshrined at Kifune Shrine?
The enshrined deities are: Takaokami no Kami.
What blessings can you pray for at Kifune Shrine?
Kifune Shrine is known for: Water Blessings, Rain / Weather, Matchmaking, Agriculture.
How do I get to Kifune Shrine?
The nearest station is Kibuneguchi Station (Eizan Railway). It is about a 25-minute walk from the station. Shuttle bus from Kibuneguchi