Mt. Kurama

Mt. Kurama, rising in the north of Kyoto City, is known as the place where Ushiwakamaru (Minamoto no Yoshitsune) trained, a mystical sacred mountain where legends of tengu live on. Kuramadera stands halfway up, and its distinctive worldview has made it beloved by many worshippers and lovers of the spiritual. Though close to central Kyoto, once you step in, the silence of the deep mountains welcomes you in this special place.

Highlights

Kuramadera Main Hall (Kondo) Kuramadera is said to have been founded in 770. Its principal object of worship is Sonten, a unity of three deities: Bishamonten, Senju Kannon, and Goho Maoson. On the stone pavement before the main hall a hexagram pattern is drawn, and its center is regarded as a place to receive cosmic energy, where many worshippers pause. The main hall sits at about 410 meters in elevation, and from the front garden you look out over the mountains of Kyoto.

Okunoin and the Maoden Located deeper along the mountain beyond the main hall, the Maoden is a mystical hall enshrining Goho Maoson, said to have descended from Venus 6.5 million years ago. The route reaching it via the Kinone-michi, where tree roots crawl across the ground, overflows with the flavor of a place of mountain asceticism.

Trekking to Kibune Shrine The trekking course walking from Kurama through the Okunoin to Kibune Shrine is popular as a pleasant hike of about one to two hours one way through the forest. As the Kibune side is downhill, the route from Kurama to Kibune is said to be easier to walk.

Enjoying the Seasons

Spring: Cherry blossoms and fresh greenery spread out, and a refreshing mountain walk can be enjoyed. Summer: Cooler than the city, ideal for hiking to escape the heat. Many people also visit paired with the kawadoko riverside dining of Kibune. Autumn: The foliage is beautiful, and the contrast of the Kinone-michi toward the Okunoin with the autumn leaves is splendid. The Eizan Railway's "Maple Tunnel" is also a highlight of this season. Winter: Snowy Mt. Kurama is wrapped in a fantastical atmosphere. The Kurama Fire Festival (October 22) is known as one of Kyoto's three eccentric festivals.

Access and Basic Information

• Nearest station: About a 2-minute walk from Kurama Station on the Eizan Railway (to the Nio Gate)
• Cable car: About 2 minutes from the gate station to the Tahoto station (offering fare: adults 200 yen, elementary students 100 yen)
• Admission (aizanhi): 500 yen for high school students and above (free for junior high and younger; revised April 2023)
• Time needed: About one hour for the main hall only, or one to two hours one way to Kibune via the Okunoin
• Clothing: Shoes and clothing suited to mountain walking and trekking are recommended

Practical Travel Notes

• Easing the climb: A slope continues from the Nio Gate to the main hall. If you are unsure of your stamina, using the cable car from the gate station to the Tahoto station lightens the load (a walk remains from the Tahoto station to the main hall).
• Watch your footing: The Kinone-michi toward the Okunoin has tree roots jutting out and is especially slippery after rain, so comfortable walking shoes at least the level of sneakers are essential.
• Traverse to Kibune: If you go through to Kibune, check the return bus and train times to Kibuneguchi Station in advance.
• Nearby spots: Touring together with Kibune Shrine (water deity and matchmaking) and the Kibune area, famous for summer kawadoko, is standard.

A Quick Tip

As the mountain path to the Okunoin has some steep sections, comfortable shoes at least the level of sneakers are essential. Especially where tree roots jut out, the path is slippery in rain, so take care. The center of the hexagram before the main hall is regarded as a place suited to calming the mind and spending a while. If you traverse to Kibune Shrine, be sure to check the return bus and train times.

📚 Sources

This article is based on publicly available sources such as the official website of Kurama-dera, tourism information published by the Kyoto City Tourism Association, and on-site history boards and signage. The legend of Ushiwakamaru, that is Minamoto no Yoshitsune, training here, the tengu lore, and the descriptions of the main hall, the Maoden inner sanctuary, and the trek to Kifune Shrine are based on such public information. The mountain entry fee, the cable car offering, and the service conditions of the Eizan railway and buses may change, so please confirm with the official information from Kurama-dera before you set out.

Visitor Checklist

• Estimated time: About an hour for worship as far as the main hall, or one to two hours one way for the trek through to Kifune by way of the inner sanctuary.
• What to bring: Shoes and clothing suited to mountain walking and trekking are essential. The tree-root trail toward the inner sanctuary is slippery after rain, so bring sturdy walking shoes at least the level of sneakers.
• To ease the climb: The path from the Nio Gate to the main hall is a continuous slope, so using the cable car from the Sanmon station to the Tahoto station lightens the load.
• Suggested route: A popular flow is to worship from the Nio Gate to the main hall, pass along the tree-root trail to the Maoden inner sanctuary, and traverse on to Kifune Shrine. The Kifune side is downhill and said to be easier to walk.
• Mind the return trip: If continuing through to Kifune, confirm the return bus and train times to Kibuneguchi Station in advance.