KyotoTravel

Take commemorative photos on the stone steps lined with red lanterns, try the famous water fortune-telling omikuji

About this spot

The head shrine of approximately 2,000 Kibune Shrines nationwide, dedicated to Takaokami no Kami, the deity of water. The approach path with stone steps lined with vermillion Kasuga lanterns is one of Kyoto's iconic landscapes, beautiful in both fresh greenery and autumn foliage—an ideal photo spot. Since ancient times, it has been revered by the imperial court as a shrine for rain prayers, and it is said to be the birthplace of the ema (votive picture tablet) tradition, as worshippers offered painted horse images instead of live horses. The specialty is the "water fortune-telling omikuji," where characters mysteriously appear on paper when floated on sacred water—comparing results with friends is sure to be exciting. The "three shrine pilgrimage," visiting the Main Shrine, Chusha (middle shrine), and Okumiya (inner shrine) in order, is also popular. Paying respects after completing the mountain crossing adds to the sense of fulfillment and spiritual blessing.

Tips

If arriving via mountain crossing, it's a short walk from the western gate along the riverside path. By train, take the Eizan Railway to Kibune-guchi Station, then Kyoto Bus route 33 for about 5 minutes to the "Kibune" stop, followed by about 5 minutes' walk. Since roads are narrow and parking is limited, public transportation is safer. Water fortune-telling omikuji costs 200 yen per try; having small coins is convenient. During peak seasons (new greenery, autumn foliage, or river-bed dining season) on weekends, lines form; aim for when the crowd clears for photos of the lantern-lined stone steps.