Kuni-jinja, Shinto shrine in Japan
Kuni-jinja is a Shinto shrine situated on Mount Funaoka in the Kita-ku district of Kyoto, marked by a large unpainted torii gate at the entrance. The grounds feature traditional wooden buildings with gently curved roofs, smooth stone paths worn by years of use, and several smaller structures dedicated to rituals and offerings.
The shrine was founded in 1869 during the Meiji period to honor Oda Nobunaga, a powerful warlord of the Sengoku period who played a major role in unifying Japan. The original structure was relocated from Tokyo to Mount Funaoka in 1880, establishing its current location.
The shrine is dedicated to Oda Nobunaga, a warlord whose name lives on through the prayers and respect of visitors who come here. People bow before entering, clap their hands to prepare for prayer, and leave small offerings like coins or flowers as a sign of reverence.
The shrine is easily reached by Kyoto City Bus at the Kenkun-jinja mae stop, followed by a short walk up the hillside. Visitors should wear comfortable shoes as the paths are made of stone and the terrain is gently sloped.
The largest unpainted torii gate in Kyoto Prefecture stands at the entrance as a distinctive feature, standing out from the typical red-painted gates found elsewhere. The location was personally selected by Hideyoshi Toyotomi as Nobunaga's mausoleum, connecting two of Japan's most important figures in one place.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
