Mount Kurama: A Mystical Mountain Escape
Discover Mount Kurama: Hike through mystical forests, explore ancient temples, and rejuvenate in natural hot springs near Kyoto.
Mount Kurama, located north of Kyoto, is a mountain known for its temples, rich history, and natural beauty. It's considered a mystical place and is believed to be the birthplace of Reiki. Visitors can hike the mountain, explore Kurama-dera Temple, and relax in the Kurama Onsen.
A brief summary to Mount Kurama
- Kuramahonmachi, Kyoto, Kuramahonmachi, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, JP
Local tips
- Wear comfortable shoes for hiking, as the trails can be steep and uneven.
- Bring cash for entrance fees, cable car tickets, and onsen access.
- Visit in the autumn for vibrant foliage or in the summer for cooler temperatures.
- Take the train to Kurama Station for convenient access to the mountain and temple.
- Consider hiking to Kibune for a scenic experience and visit Kifune Shrine.
Getting There
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Public Transport
From Kyoto Station, take the Kyoto Municipal Karasuma Line to Kokusai Kaikan Station. From the Kokusai Kaikan-mae bus stop, take Kyoto Bus No. 52 bound for Kurama Onsen and get off at Kurama. Alternatively, take the JR Nara Line to Tofukuji Station, transfer to the Keihan Main Line to Demachiyanagi Station, and then take the Eizan Railway Kurama Line to Kurama Station. The Eizan Railway trip costs 470 yen and takes about 30 minutes. The bus from Kibuneguchi Station to central Kibune costs 160 yen.
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Walking
From Kurama Station, it's a 5-minute walk to Kurama-dera Temple. Follow the main street and head towards the Niomon Gate, where you'll find the entrance to Kurama-dera. From there, you can either hike up the mountain or take the cable car. The cable car costs 200 yen one way. The hike to the top of Kurama-dera takes approximately 30-45 minutes.
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Taxi
A taxi from Kyoto to Kurama takes approximately 18 minutes and costs between 4,900 and 6,000 yen. Taxis are readily available in Kyoto.
