If you are visiting Japan in winter and want to see something truly different, Kifune Shrine is worth the detour. Hidden in the mountains north of Kyoto, this quiet shrine becomes especially striking when snow covers the stone path and lanterns. It feels calm, remote, and far removed from the city.

In winter, Kifune Shrine takes on a very different atmosphere. Snow softens the landscape and brings silence to the forest. The red lanterns along the path stand out against the white ground, creating one of Kyoto’s most recognizable winter scenes.

Crowds are much smaller than in other seasons. This makes the visit slower and more peaceful, especially in the early morning. Winter also offers a different perspective on Japan, one focused on stillness rather than seasonal crowds.

What to wear

Dress warmly. Layers, gloves, and a hat are important. Non slip shoes are strongly recommended, as the stone steps can be icy after snowfall.

How to get there

From central Kyoto, take the Eizan Railway to Kibuneguchi Station. From there, you can walk about 30 minutes along the road or take a short local bus closer to the shrine.

Best time to visit

Early morning offers soft light and very few visitors. Late afternoon can also be beautiful when the light reflects on the snow and lanterns.

After visiting the shrine, many travelers like to continue toward Kurama Onsen. A hot bath after walking in the snow is a good way to end the day.

If there is no snow, the area is still pleasant, but fresh snowfall makes the experience much more memorable.

Kifune Shrine shows a quieter and more contemplative side of Kyoto. It works well if you want to balance temples in the city with a short mountain escape.

If you want help fitting Kifune Shrine into a winter itinerary without overloading your days, my guides are built to keep planning simple while leaving space to enjoy places like this.