We visited the chief priest of Kifune Shrine, Takai, at10am today.

Kifune Shrine was founded in the 4^th century and enshrines a goddess named Takaokami no kami.

It is a beautiful shrine located at a high altitude along the Kibune River that flows between Mount Kibune and Mount Kurama, with an approach to the shrine running along the mountain wall.

Passing through the torii gate, we saw a row of vermilion lanterns, and since the rain had just stopped this morning, the air was crisp and pure.

The main shrine on the upper floor is also beautiful, but not at all gaudy, and gives a sense of calm.

At the office next to the main shrine, we were guided around by shrine maidens, who were very attentive and considerate.

A few years ago, heavy rains caused damage to some of the shrine buildings, and landslides toppled trees on the mountain, so Kifune Shrine is now working to restore the entire mountain. We spoke with the chief priest, Takai, about a wide range of topics, and shared the shrine’s future challenges.

After the meeting, we climbed further into the mountains and visited the inner shrine.

By the time we returned from Kibune station, the sky had turned blue and we felt energized and refreshed, embracing nature that was in turn embracing us with its blue sky and fresh forest air.