Kifune Shrine Tanabata Bamboo Light-up

Kifune Shrine, nestled in the mountains of Kyoto's Sakyo Ward, has long been revered as the deity of water and holds a Tanabata bamboo light-up through the summer. The stone steps lined with vermilion Kasuga lanterns leading to the main hall, and the grounds, are decked with Tanabata bamboo bearing colorful wish cards that glow magically after dark. Kibune is a cool retreat several degrees lower than the city, and visitors enjoy riverside kawadoko dining and evening worship. A water festival is held around July 7, when worshippers tie their wishes to the bamboo.