Charming Kyoto: A Cultural Adventure with Friends

Finding Peace in the Mountains of Kurama

Today was a day of exploration and spiritual awakening as I ventured into the mountains north of Kyoto. Away from the bustling city, I sought tranquility and found it in the serene embrace of Kifune Shrine, Kurama-dera Temple, and the majestic Mount Kurama. The cool mountain air and the echoes of ancient traditions made for an unforgettable journey.



Our day began with a hearty breakfast at MUGHAL Indian Restaurant & Bar. I know, I know, Indian food in Japan? But several sources mentioned that MUGHAL Indian Restaurant & Bar is a well-established dining spot in Central Kyoto, offering a fusion of Indian flavors with Japanese influences. It was a delightful change of pace, and the naan was particularly good – light and fluffy, just the way I like it. Fuelled up and ready for adventure, my friends and I hopped on the Eizan Railway, a scenic route that winds its way through the northern mountains.



Our first stop was Kifune Shrine, a place steeped in history and legend. As we approached the shrine, the air grew cooler, and the sounds of the city faded away, replaced by the gentle rustling of leaves and the murmur of the nearby river. Kifune Shrine is believed to be over 1,600 years old, dedicated to the water deity Takaokami-no-kami, revered for controlling rainfall and water flow. The shrine serves as the head shrine for about 450 Kifune Shrines across Japan. The approach to the main hall was lined with vibrant red lanterns, creating a mesmerizing pathway that seemed to lead us into another world.


Discover the serene beauty of Kifune Shrine, a hidden gem in Kyoto where spirituality meets nature amidst lush landscapes.

I learned that Kifune Shrine is also famous for its connection to matchmaking. The Associative Shrine honors the deity of matchmaking, Iwanaga-hime-no-mikoto. Legend has it that a Heian-era poetess, Izumi Shikibu, prayed here for her husband's affections to return to her. Whether or not you believe in such things, there's something undeniably romantic about the atmosphere. We took our time exploring the various sections of the shrine, each with its unique charm and significance. I was particularly drawn to the Mizu-ura Mikuji, the water fortune-telling. You select a fortune slip and place it in the sacred water, where the words magically appear, revealing your fortune. It was a fun and unique experience, adding a touch of mystery to our visit.

Sometimes, the most profound journeys are those that lead us back to ourselves.

From Kifune Shrine, we began our ascent up Mount Kurama towards Kurama-dera Temple. We opted to hike the mountain trail, a decision I highly recommend for anyone seeking a bit of exercise and immersion in nature. The path was steep in places, but the towering cedar trees and the occasional glimpses of the valley below made it all worthwhile. Mount Kurama itself is considered a mystical place, believed to be inhabited by Tengu, long-nosed or beaked creatures believed to be the guardians of the mountain. As we climbed, I couldn't help but feel a sense of awe and respect for the natural world around us. The air was crisp and clean, and the sunlight filtered through the trees, creating an ethereal glow.


Experience the serenity of Mount Kurama, where nature meets spirituality, and rejuvenate your spirit amidst breathtaking landscapes in Kyoto.

After about an hour, we reached Kurama-dera Temple, a Buddhist temple with a rich history dating back to 770 AD. The temple has been rebuilt several times due to fires, but its treasures have always been saved. Kurama-dera has a unique spiritual identity, blending elements of Buddhism, Shintoism, and local beliefs. The main hall, with its stunning views of the surrounding mountains, was a sight to behold. We took our time exploring the temple complex, admiring the intricate architecture and soaking in the peaceful atmosphere.


Experience the serene beauty and spiritual heritage of Kuramadera Temple in Kyoto, a perfect blend of nature, history, and tranquility.

Kurama-dera is also known as the birthplace of Reiki, a type of energy therapy. The founder of Reiki, Usui Mikao, is said to have meditated on Mount Kurama in the 1920s and received healing energy from the mountain. Whether you're a believer in Reiki or not, there's no denying the sense of spiritual energy that permeates the area. As we descended the mountain on the other side, we passed through the Kino-ne Michi, the tree root path, where gnarled tree roots crisscross the trail, creating a surreal and otherworldly landscape.



By late afternoon, we completed our hike and found ourselves in the charming village of Kurama. Before heading back to Kyoto, we stopped at a local cafe for some well-deserved refreshments. Sipping on green tea and reflecting on the day's adventures, I felt a sense of peace and rejuvenation. The combination of ancient shrines, breathtaking scenery, and spiritual energy had worked its magic.



For dinner, we chose Fujiya, hoping to experience a traditional Kyoto culinary experience. Fujiya is located at the entrance of Kifune Shrine. The restaurant is known for its Kaiseki cuisine. Reviews mentioned that the restaurant sources fish directly from the river, ensuring no unpleasant odors, allowing you to savor the true flavors of river fish. While I don't eat fish, my travel partners enjoyed their meal.


Discover the exquisite flavors of traditional kaiseki cuisine at Fujiya in Kyoto - where every meal is a masterpiece.

As the day drew to a close, we decided to check out Rocking Bar ING, a place recommended by fellow travellers. Nestled in a building on Kiyamachi, this cozy bar is a haven for rock music lovers. The owner, Hako, is a music fanatic with an impressive collection of vinyl records from the 1960s to 90s. We requested some of our favorite tunes, and Hako happily obliged, creating a lively and fun atmosphere.


Discover Rocking Bar ING in Kyoto, where the spirit of rock music comes alive amidst an eclectic atmosphere and vibrant nightlife.

Tomorrow, we plan to explore more of Kyoto's cultural treasures, including Shimogamo Shrine, Tadasu-no-Mori Forest, and Kitano Tenmangu Shrine. We'll also indulge in some shopping at Daimaru Kyoto Store. But for now, I'm content to savor the memories of today's spiritual journey to Kurama. It's a reminder that sometimes, the most profound experiences are found in the quiet corners of the world, away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. I am also glad that I brought my camera with me, as I am eager to show James all the pictures I took today.



While I am having a great time travelling with my friends, I do miss James and Eglė. I am looking forward to returning to Toronto and sharing my travel stories with them.