⛩️ Kifune Shrine

Kifune Shrine is located along the Kifune River at the foot of Mount Kifune in the Sakyo Ward of Kyoto. It is the head shrine of approximately 2,000 water deity shrines across the country, dedicated to Takeminakata, the god who governs water. Although the exact date of its establishment is unclear, historical records indicate that the shrine was rebuilt in the sixth year of the Hakuhō era (677 AD) during the reign of Emperor Tenmu, and it is said to have a history of over 1,300 years, making it one of Japan's oldest shrines. The Kifune River is the source of the Kamo River, located directly north of the Kyoto Imperial Palace, and has been greatly revered and protected by successive imperial courts as the guardian deity of the city's water source. It is said that Emperor Saga offered live horses in prayer for rain or to stop the rain, which is the origin of the term "ema" (votive tablets). Within the shrine grounds, away from the main area, there are three shrines: the main shrine (Honden), the inner shrine (Okumiya), and the association shrine (Yui-sha). From the stone wall in front of the main shrine, clear spring water continuously flows from the mountains and is revered as sacred water. The famous "water divination" refers to a fortune slip that reveals characters gradually when soaked in the sacred water, which is quite unique. It is recommended to try this divination as a memento during your visit. The Okumiya is said to be the origin of Kifune Shrine, where the deity Tamayorihime no Mikoto is believed to have arrived on a yellow boat. Surrounded by dense forests, this area exudes a solemn and mysterious atmosphere that inspires reverence. Beneath the main hall is a large cave known as Ryudo, said to release sacred and powerful energy. The central shrine (Chugu) and the association shrine (Yui-sha) enshrine Iwanaga-hime no Mikoto, the goddess who grants good relationships. Additionally, the Heian period poet Izumi Shikibu visited this shrine and left behind a story of her prayer for reconciliation with her husband, which contributed to Kifune Shrine becoming one of the most renowned sacred places in Kyoto for love and romantic relationships.

The main shrine dedicated to the water deity Takeminakata. The inner shrine, which is the origin of the shrine with the dragon cave. A gathering place for the most famous love and relationship blessing site in Kyoto.