Culture
Kyoto's Historic Kifune Jinja
Sandra IsakaSet deep in the mountains of Kyoto, historic Kifune Jinja is a great place to visit for those who want to see a different side of this amazing city.
Kifune Shrine, nestled in the picturesque mountain town of Kibune, is said to be over 1,300 years old and is dedicated to the god of water. The complex has three shrine buildings along the mountainside: the main shrine (front shrine), Yui no Yashiro (middle shrine), and Okunomiya (rear shrine). A common pilgrimage path is to visit the main shrine first and then go to the rear one, before ending your journey at the middle shrine.
One of the shrine’s most notable features is its lantern-lined stone steps. The brilliant coloring of the red lanterns compliments the surrounding nature during all seasons—whether it's the verdant foliage of spring and summer, the fiery leaves of autumn, or the pure-white snow of winter. No matter the season, the ascension to the shrine is always a magical one.
The first and main shrine building has a modest wooden facade with sparse gold accents that perfectly reflect the encircling forests. Located in front of the building is a stone wall with a small fountain of sacred water (goshinsui) where you can have a sip of the crisp mountain water. The shrine also offers a unique form of fortune telling called mizuura mikuji. After you purchase the fortune telling sheet, place the paper in a fountain near the shrine. As the water seeps through the paper, it will reveal your fortune!
The middle shrine (Yui no Yashiro) is smaller in size and is known as a shrine for love. Legend has it that Ninigi no Mikoto, great grandfather to Emperor Jinmu, did not receive the hand of the woman he wished to marry. As a result, he proclaimed that he would remain at the temple and bless people with good relationships.
The last shrine (Okunomiya) is the location of the original main shrine before it was flooded in the 11th century. According to the legend of Kibune’s founding, a goddess landed at the area that is today Okunomiya on a holy boat. The stones to the left of the shrine are said to contain the goddess’s boat. The shrine is also built over what is said to be a ryuuketsu, or a dragon’s den. The ryuuketsu, coupled with the sacred boat, make the area a spiritual power spot.
/135.76296508312,35.121953271802,9/397x132?access_token=pk.eyJ1IjoiamFwYW50cmF2ZWxtYXBzIiwiYSI6ImNqbXBtOXYxbDB5Z3ozbHFrazJuYWMwOGYifQ.v15fy_mcFWtgopmz8PhwqA)
Take the Keihan Train Line to Demachiyanagi Station and then transfer to the Eizan Train Line. Get off at Kibune-guchi Station. From the station, take Kyoto Bus Route 33 to Kibune Bus Stop. Then, walk about 5 minutes to Kifune Shrine.
Set deep in the mountains of Kyoto, historic Kifune Jinja is a great place to visit for those who want to see a different side of this amazing city.
A small but gorgeous and less-traveled shrine in the mountains north of downtown Kyoto.
The annual Ohitaki Fire Festival at Kifune Shrine uses its spiritual powers to banish bad sprits and cleanse impurities of the people attending.
Tokyu Harvest Club Kyoto Takagamine & Viala is a gorgeous hotel inside the historical Shozan Resort Kyoto.
While the allure of Kyoto often lies in its historic temples and bustling Gion streets, the true essence of the ancient capital is found in its quietest corners. Nestled deep in the rolling foothills of the Takagamine mountains, ROKU KYOTO, LXR Hotels & Resorts offers a different kind of luxury: total seclusion. [photo id='245658'] As the first LXR property in the Asia-Pacific region under the Hilton brand, ROKU KYOTO is designed as an intimate retreat. The resort sits along the Tenjin River, a location that was once an artist's colony, and today serves as a sanctuary where nature, art, and French culinary techniques converge. A Modern Aesthetic Rooted in Tradition [photo id='245654'] From the moment of arrival, the "Dive into Kyoto" concept is palpable. The architecture is a modern interpretation of traditional Japanese aesthetics, utilizing the breathtaking panorama of the mountains as a borrowed landscape. The guest rooms are designed to maximize this connection to nature. For the ultimate indulgence, the Onsen Garden Rooms feature their own private hot spring baths overlooking a private garden, while the Poolside Terrace Rooms offer direct access to the resort’s water features. Culinary Artistry at TENJIN [photo id='245665'] Dining at ROKU KYOTO is anchored by TENJIN, a venue split into three distinct zones: the Chef's Table, All-Day Dining, and The Bar. For the gourmand, Tenjin Chef’s Table is the highlight. Here, the culinary team presents an unconventional take on French cuisine, exploring themes of nature and art using the finest locally sourced seasonal ingredients. It is a sensory experience that requires reservations a day in advance, ensuring an exclusive atmosphere. TENJIN All-Day Dining: This space serves as the heart of the resort's culinary offerings, open daily from 7 am – 10 pm. Whether joining for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, guests can enjoy locally sourced ingredients blended with contemporary French influences. The menu offers both sophisticated set courses and flexible à la carte seasonal favorites, as well as light bites throughout the day. [photo id='245653'] For a more relaxed evening, Tenjin The Bar offers a luxurious vibe with views of the reflecting water basin—the perfect spot to enjoy signature cocktails made from natural ingredients or rare Japanese liquors. Wellness: The Thermal Pool [photo id='245651'] Perhaps the resort's most unique feature is the ROKU SPA and its outdoor thermal pool. This is the only outdoor natural onsen pool within Kyoto City, which remains open year-round. Drawing natural hot spring water from the adjacent grounds, the pool allows guests to soak up the Takagamine atmosphere in silence. The spa menu is equally impressive, based on the concept of "Kyoto Elements," with treatments like the Signature Tenjingawa Stone Massage, which utilizes warm stones soaked in the river waters to channel the energy of the land. Immersive Cultural Experiences [photo id='245659'] For guests looking to connect deeper with local heritage, the concierge can arrange exclusive activities. You can try your hand at Washi paper making with a paper artist, or learn the art of Kintsugi (gold repair) from a master. There is even a Handicraft Porcelain Making workshop that uses soil from the ROKU KYOTO estate itself. A Family-Friendly Haven While ROKU KYOTO exudes a sophisticated, adult-oriented atmosphere, my recent stay proved that it is surprisingly welcoming to families. Traveling with my wife and baby, we were apprehensive about bringing a little one to such a high-end property, but the team put us at ease immediately. The hotel is fully equipped for young families, offering cribs and creating a comfortable environment within the spacious rooms. We were able to enjoy the luxury of the location without feeling out of place. [photo id='245648'] For those with older children, the thermal pool is accessible during specific daytime hours (9:00 am – 6:00 pm) with supervision, allowing the whole family to enjoy the onsen experience. The resort even offers a "Treasure Hunt," where kids can explore the grounds to find hidden items using a secret map—a thoughtful touch that turns the resort into an adventure. The Verdict Whether you are seeking a romantic culinary journey, a solo wellness retreat, or a luxurious family getaway, ROKU KYOTO manages to be all things at once without compromising its identity. It is a rare gem where the silence of the mountains speaks louder than the city below. [photo id='245656']
For two to four people a vacation rental like Kuramaguchi-An offers a lot more space, freedom and convenience than a hotel at very little extra cost.
There is no better place to sit down and dish out bills for a delicious meal of fresh, seasonal dishes, than at one of these restaurants in Kibune. You may even want to try one of the many "kaiseki" courses offered by plenty of the restaurants. These "kawadoko" restaurants are highly famous for their fresh fish and tofu courses, especially. This is definitely a high-end and high-range trip if you are looking to dine at one of these restaurants, but do not worry - there are affordable options too.
Tohichi is a new Ramen noodle restaurant in Kyoto, featuring superb clear soup and home-made noodles with Jidori chicken
Ichiwa is an thousand year old store with longstanding connections with Yasurai Matsuri festival at Imamiya Shrine selling aburi-mochi, grilled glutinous rice flour cakes.
Sanzen-in is a Tendai school monzeki temple in Ōhara, Kyoto, Japan. The Heian period triad of Amida Nyorai flanked by attendants is a National Treasure. Sanzenin Temple is the main attraction of the rural town of Ohara, which is located about an hour north of central Kyoto. [Wikipedia]
The Kamo Shrines, Shimogamo Shrine and Kamigamo Shrine are both recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. They are two of the most important and oldest shrines in Kyoto. They are located in the north of the city and are intentionally placed to ward off evil and Protect the city In fact, the two Kamo shrines are even older than the city, which became the national capital in 794. Shimogamo Shrine is located at the confluence of the Takano and Kamo Rivers and is surrounded by a forest that contains trees up to 600 years old. The Kamigamo Shrine is about three and a half kilometers upstream and is known for two sand cones on its site, which have a cleaning function for the sanctuary and have been ritually made since ancient times. Together the shrines host one of Kyoto's three biggest festivals, the Aoi Matsuri, which takes place on May 15th.
Shugakuin Imperial Villa, located on the northeastern outskirts of Kyoto City, is a stunning complex of traditionally designed buildings and gardens interwoven into paddy fields. It was constructed from 1655 to 1659 by Emperor Gomizuno and presently, is managed by the Imperial Household Agency. The complex features three sections–the Upper, Middle, and Lower Villas–which are connected by tree-lined pathways. Between the villas, the majority of the land is designated as paddy fields and is still cultivated by local farmers today. The most celebrated characteristic of the villa is its gardens. Each section has its own exquisite landscaping that utilizes the Shakkei method of gardening. This process integrates the surrounding scenery into the garden’s design for a more dynamic and three-dimensional viewing experience. The gardens are especially popular in spring when the cherry blossoms and seasonal flowers are in full bloom, and in autumn when the surrounding mountainscape turns fiery. The Upper Villa’s Rin’untei Pavilion is also a noteworthy spot as it offers lovely views of Yokuryūchi pond, Kyoto City, and surrounding naturescape. Although you cannot enter buildings, some are left open so you can have a peek at their tatami floors and beautifully painted panels. In order to enter the villa, you must submit an application and join a guided tour. You can register online or in person. Make sure to have your passport or a government-issued ID on hand. Same day registration is permitted but is run on a first-come-first-served basis. The tour lasts about an hour and 20 minutes and includes visits to all three villas. Although the tour is only available in Japanese, the facility offers audio guides in English, Chinese, French, Korean, and Spanish free of charge.