Kifune Shrine | Must-visit Shrine in Northern Kyoto
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Our next stop in our Kyoto tour is Kifune Shrine. Located in a village nestled in the mountainous area of northern Kyoto. From Kinkaku-ji, we journeyed way up, the northern part of Kyoto. It took four bus rides to reach Kibune.
Kibune is a small rural village nestled in the mountainous part of Kyoto. Surrounded by lush vegetation and a small river that flows alongside the narrow road. Kibune was much cooler compared to the city and it has a relaxed atmosphere.
The pathway to Kifune Shrine is surrounded by maple trees and features a stone steps with vermillion colored kasuga lanterns on both sides.
Kifune Shrine is a small Shinto shrine that enshrines the god of water. Even though it was already late afternoon, many visitors are still queuing at the entrance.
We chose not to stay long in Kifune Shrine, anticipating the travel back to the city at night might be challenging. However, the train experience with the Eizan Karuma Line from Kibuneguchi Station to Demanchiyanagi Station was a breeze. From there, we took a bus ride to our hotel - Daiwa Roynet Hotel Kyoto Ekimae PREMIER.
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT KIFUNE SHRINE
The best time to visit Kifune Shrine is during autumn and winter. Fall foliage or winter snow will complement or make the vermillion colored kasuga lanterns pop. If possible, schedule your visit to Kifune Shrine around sunset, when the kasuga lanterns are illuminated.
WHAT ARE THE THINGS TO PACK TO KYOTO, JAPAN - WINTER EDITION
Clothes for cold weather
Jacket
Comfortable shoes/ sneakers/ boots
Backpack
Camera / gear
Powerbank
Toiletries
Universal Adaptor (For Filipinos, no need since Japan is using the same outlet)
Tumbler
HOW TO GET TO KIFUNE SHRINE FROM KINKAKU-JI TEMPLE
To get to Kifune Shrine from Kinkaku-ji Temple, go to Kinkakujimichi and take bus 205 to Kitaoji Bus Terminal. Transfer to bus 34 to Ichihara Eki mae. From Ichihara Eki mae, walk to Ichihara Station. Take the Eizan Karuma Line to Kibuneguchi Station. There’s a bus that will take to near Kifune Shrine or walk around 30mins to the shrine. Total travel time is around 1 hour and 30 minutes.
HOW TO GET TO KYOTO STATION FROM KIFUNE SHRINE
To get to Kyoto Station from Kifune Shrine, ride the bus to Kibuneguchi Station. Then take the Eizan Karuma Line to Demachiyanagi Station. From Demachiyanagi Station, walk to Demachiyanagi Eki mae bus stop. Take bus 4 to Kyoto Station.
KYOTO, JAPAN BUDGET AND ITINERARY
Based on this itinerary, which includes all the activities and restaurants covered in the blog, the budget for our second day in Kyoto, Japan for two person is around 11,600.00 Yen or around Php4,400.00. Total expense with a private photoshoot is Php15,000.00. See detailed budget and itinerary below:
NOTE: Rates indicated above may change.
IMPORTANT THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN VISITING KINKAKU-JI
Aside from the basic things to consider in Japan, here are the things to consider in Kifune Shrine:
Kifune Shrine Schedule:
Open from 6:00am-8:00pm
Some restaurant in Kibune area requires reservations in advance.
From the train station, best to ride the bus instead of walking.
If you prefer to walk, do note that the narrow road is doesn’t have a side walk. Also, the road is inclined going up Kifune Shrine.
KYOTO, JAPAN TRAVEL TIPS
Secure your passport
Be sure to have a credit card for emergency
Download the following Google Apps: Google Maps for Navigating and Google Translate for basic translation.
Rent a pocket Wi-Fi or eSim in advance. This way you’ll have data as soon as you land in Japan. I’ve tried pocket Wi-Fi during our vacation and encountered no issues on connections or signal.
If you are travelling around Japan, buy the Japan Rail Pass or JR Pass in advance. For convenience, best to avail the Green Car option. For Green Car holders, best to reserve your seat in advance as well. You can buy the JR Pass here.
Since trash cans or sorting bins are not common in public places or streets of Japan, best to have a small plastic/paper bag for your garbage.
Travelling with luggage in Japan across multiple cities in Japan can be challenging. For a convenient experience, try a luggage delivery service.
If you want to avoid crowd in tourist spots, schedule your visit early morning.
Exploring Japan often involves a significant amount of walking, so it's important to wear comfortable shoes.
Instead of buying bottled water, bring your own tumbler.
WHAT’S IN MY BAG?
If you want to know more about the cameras, gadgets and travel essentials I use, check out “MY GEAR”
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