Kifune

Attraction

Prefecture

Kyoto

Type

Attraction

N/A

1 review

Free

Entry Fee

Free Entry Restaurant Train Access Cafe

About This Destination

A scenic mountain village north of Kyoto famous for Kifune Shrine, dedicated to the water deity, and for summer kawadoko riverside dining platforms suspended over the Kifune River.

A small village in a forested valley in Kyoto's northern mountains, centered on Kifune Shrine (dedicated to the water and rain deity Takaokami). The shrine is 1,600+ years old and draws people who depend on water. Water fortune-telling is popular—blank paper reveals messages when dipped in the sacred spring. May to September, restaurants build kawadoko platforms directly over the river for dining with natural cool air. The approach: red lanterns lining stone steps, one of Kyoto's most photographed scenes. Winter brings light snow on the lanterns and cedars, plus illumination events.

Location

Prefecture: Kyoto

Address: Kyoto, Japan

Nearest Station: Kibuneguchi Station

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Visitor Information

Credit Cards: Unknown

Food Options: Several traditional ryokan-style restaurants offer kawadoko riverside dining from May to September. Specialties include nagashi-somen flowing noodles in summer and botan nabe wild boar hot pot in winter.

Official Website

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get to Kifune?

Take the Eizan Railway from Demachiyanagi to Kibuneguchi Station (about 30 minutes), then walk 25 minutes uphill or take the local bus. The scenic Eizan train ride through maple forests is part of the experience.

What is kawadoko dining in Kifune?

From May to September, restaurants build wooden platforms directly over the Kifune River for dining with natural cooling from the water below. The temperature is several degrees cooler than central Kyoto.

What is the water fortune telling?

At Kifune Shrine, purchase a blank fortune paper (200 yen) and float it in the sacred spring. Characters magically appear revealing your fortune. The paper dissolves in water when you are done.

Can I combine Kifune with Kurama?

Yes, a popular route is hiking over the mountain from Kurama Temple to Kifune (about 1.5 hours). Start from Kurama, hike down to Kifune, enjoy lunch, then take the train back from Kibuneguchi.