A–Z directory

貴船神社

Kifune Shrine

Japanese Name貴船神社
English NameKifune Shrine
ReligionShinto
Primary DeityTakaokami-no-kami (water deity)
TypeWater deity worship Shrine
Coordinates34.9290062, 137.4377182

⛩ AI-enriched content

About this Shrine

Kifune Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine located in the mountains north of Kyoto, renowned for its dramatic approach of red torii gates ascending stone steps through a forested valley. The shrine is famous for its water divination rituals and seasonal beauty, particularly during autumn when maple leaves create a stunning canopy over the vermillion gates.

Cultural Significance

The shrine is famous for its water fortune-telling ritual where visitors float paper fortunes on the sacred spring water to reveal hidden messages. It's also associated with love and relationships, with many couples visiting to pray for romantic success.

Enshrined Deities

Takaokami-no-kami Kuraokami-no-kami Tamayori-hime-no-mikoto

Location

Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors

Spot an error?

This shrine data is sourced from OpenStreetMap. You can submit a correction or edit it on OpenStreetMap.

Shrine data © OpenStreetMap contributors, under the Open Database License.

Browse shrines by prefecture

Jump to Shinto shrines across Japan — 108 prefectures in our directory.

Quick Facts

  • Era: Asuka period
  • Founded: 6th century
  • Religion: Shinto

⛩ Visitor Tip

Visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and experience the mystical atmosphere of the lantern-lit stone steps.

History

Founded in the 6th century, Kifune Shrine has long been associated with water worship and rain prayers. The shrine served as an important spiritual center where imperial court members would come to pray for rain during droughts or for storms to cease during floods. Its location along the Kifune River made it a natural site for water deity worship.

A-Z Creatures
Learn Japanese

Japanese Culture Network

Japanese Wood Joints

Ancient joinery techniques of Japanese master craftsmen

ShrinePuzzle

Directory of Japanese board games and traditional games

Kohibou

Japanese coffee culture — kissaten, third wave and brewing guides

E2Japan

Explore Japan's landmarks, shrines and hidden locations

The 725 Club

SNES and Super Famicom collection tracker

Spaceship Adventures

Hoshi no Isan — a Japanese-aesthetic space RPG in development

Uptown Zero

Pixel art life sim MMO — start at zero, build your life

Book Fairy Tales

AI-powered educational stories for kids

CSSKitsune

Japanese-aesthetic design tokens & AI-ready UI prompts

Shinto Wisdom app icon
Free App · No Ads · Offline

Shinto Wisdom Daily Practice

by 10k Game Studio

Every day, one teaching. One moment of stillness.
Kanji, meaning, and a quiet reflection — rooted in the philosophy behind Japan's forests, seasons, and sacred silences.

結び Musubi 清め Harae 自然 Shizen 間 Ma 誠 Makoto + 45 more
Get it on Google Play

Explore 297+ yōkai, oni, kami, and spirits — plus one of the largest English-language Shinto shrine directories on the web.

Explore
Popular Yokai
Popular Shrines

Content Warning: This website explores Japanese folklore and mythological beings—including yokai, oni, and other supernatural entities—that may be frightening to younger audiences or sensitive viewers. All material is presented for educational and cultural appreciation only. Viewer discretion is advised.

Parents and guardians are encouraged to preview content before sharing it with children. By continuing to use JapaneseMythicalCreatures.com, you acknowledge and accept this advisory.

Copyright © 2026 Japanese Mythical Creatures • All Rights Reserved.