[Held until August 15th] Highlights of the Tanabata illuminations at Kifune Shrine

Kifune Shrine is a shrine dedicated to the god of water and is dedicated to praying for rain. Tanabata is thought to have originated as a "water god festival" that originated from the ancient Chinese custom of worshiping rivers to pray for a good autumn harvest. During the festival, the bamboo decorations and shrine building are fantastically lit up, allowing you to enjoy the cool evening breeze.

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Table of Contents
What is the Tanabata Bamboo Decoration Illumination at Kifune Shrine?
2025 Dates
Five recommended points to experience
Access to Kifune Shrine from Hotel Forza Kyoto Shijo Kawaramachi
Special plan for MATCHA readers only!

What is the Tanabata Bamboo Decoration Illumination at Kifune Shrine?

This fantastical event, held at Kifune Shrine every year from July 1st to August 15th, colors the summer in Kyoto. The shrine is dedicated to the god of water, and during the Tanabata period, the grounds are lined with strips of paper with wishes written on them and bamboo decorations, which are beautifully lit up along with the main shrine building. The Tanabata custom, which originates from the ancient "Water God Festival," blends with the cool mountain air, creating a quietly moving experience for visitors. Visiting the shrine from dusk to night is especially recommended.

2025 Dates

July 1st (Tue) - August 15th (Fri), 2025 *Dusk to 8:00 PM *Reception desk closes around 7:00 PM

Five recommended points to experience

A fantastic light-up experience

At night, the shrine is enveloped in soft light, creating a space that blends tranquility and mystery.

It is also a popular photo spot.

Experience Japanese culture and the tradition of Tanabata

You can experience Japanese seasonal events, such as the legend of Orihime and Hikoboshi, and the custom of writing wishes on strips of paper.

Apparently, many people write their tanzaku in English or other languages.

Try your luck with a unique water fortune telling

This is a mysterious and unique fortune slip that can only be found at a shrine dedicated to the god of water. When you float the seemingly blank fortune slip in the spring water within the shrine grounds, the letters will gradually emerge.

It comes with a QR code and is available in English, Chinese (simplified and traditional), and Korean, so foreign visitors tourists can enjoy it with peace of mind.

A cool location

The sound and breeze of the clear Kifune River that flows right next to the shrine will make you feel the coolness of nature. Also, walking along the illuminated approach to the shrine, you will be enveloped in the cool air, and the paper strips swaying in the breeze will give you a visually refreshing feeling.

It is also popular as a shrine for matchmaking.

Many foreign visitors tourists come here to pray for love and relationships, so it is also recommended for couples.

https://kifunejinja.jp/

Kifune Shrine official website

Access to Kifune Shrine from Hotel Forza Kyoto Shijo Kawaramachi

1. Take the Keihan Railway from Gion-Shijo Station to Demachiyanagi Station

2. Transfer to the Eizan Electric Railway from Demachiyanagi Station to Kifuneguchi Station

3. Take the Kyoto Bus from "Kifuneguchi Station" to "Kifune" bus stop (approximately 4 minutes)

4. Kifune Shrine is just a short walk from the bus stop!

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Written by

Hotel Forza

Kyoto

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