Mount Kurama: A Mystical Mountain Escape
Discover Kyoto's mystical mountain: ancient temples, breathtaking nature, and the birthplace of Reiki await at Mount Kurama.
Escape the urban bustle of Kyoto and ascend Mount Kurama, a verdant peak steeped in spiritual history and natural beauty. Home to the ancient Kurama-dera Temple, the birthplace of Reiki, and the mythical Tengu, this mountain offers a unique blend of cultural immersion and outdoor adventure.
A brief summary to Mount Kurama
- Kuramahonmachi, Kyoto, Kuramahonmachi, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, JP
Local tips
- Consider taking the cable car up and hiking down to enjoy the scenery at a relaxed pace.
- Wear comfortable shoes suitable for hiking on potentially uneven terrain.
- Visit in the fall for stunning autumn foliage or in October for the Kurama Fire Festival.
- Combine your visit with a hike to Kibune and enjoy a meal at a riverside restaurant (kawadoko) during the summer.
- Allow at least half a day to fully experience Mount Kurama and its surroundings.
Getting There
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Public Transport
From Kyoto Station, take the Karasuma Subway Line to Kokusaikaikan Station. Transfer to Kyoto Bus No. 52 bound for Kurama Onsen and get off at Kurama. Alternatively, take the JR Nara Line to Tofukuji Station, then transfer to the Keihan Main Line to Demachiyanagi Station. From Demachiyanagi Station, take the Eizan Railway Kurama Line to Kurama Station. The Eizan Railway trip takes approximately 30 minutes and costs 470 yen. From Kurama Station, it's a short walk to the entrance of Kurama-dera Temple.
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Walking
From Kurama Station, exit and turn left onto the main street. Walk up the hill towards the Niomon gate, the entrance to Kurama-dera Temple. The walk from the station to the temple entrance takes only a few minutes. From the Niomon gate, you can either hike up the mountain path (30-45 minutes) or take the Kurama-dera Cable Car. The cable car costs 200 yen for a one-way trip.
Discover more about Mount Kurama
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