Mount Kurama: A Spiritual Mountain Escape

Discover Mount Kurama: Mystical temples, stunning hikes, and legendary tengu await in Kyoto's sacred mountains.

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Mount Kurama

Escape the city bustle and ascend Mount Kurama, a sacred mountain north of Kyoto. Home to the mystical Kurama-dera Temple, stunning natural beauty, and the legendary tengu, it offers a unique blend of spiritual exploration and outdoor adventure.

A brief summary to Mount Kurama

Kuramahonmachi, Kyoto, Kuramahonmachi, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, JP

Local tips

Wear comfortable shoes for hiking, as the trail to Kurama-dera can be steep and uneven.
Consider taking the cable car up the mountain and hiking down to enjoy the scenery without the strenuous climb.
Visit Kurama Onsen after your hike to relax and rejuvenate in the natural hot springs.
Check the weather forecast before you go, as the mountain trails can be slippery when wet.
Look out for Tengu statues and imagery throughout Kurama, and learn about their role in local folklore.

Getting There

Public Transport

From Kyoto Station, take the JR Nara Line to Tofukuji Station (¥150, 2 minutes), then transfer to the Keihan Main Line to Demachi-Yanagi Station (¥280, 10 minutes). From Demachi-Yanagi Station, take the Eizan Kurama Line to Kurama Station (¥470, 30 minutes). Trains depart every 15-20 minutes. From Kurama Station, it's a short walk to the base of Mount Kurama.
Walking

From Kurama Station, exit and follow the main street towards the mountains. The entrance to Kurama-dera Temple is clearly marked. From there, you can either hike up the mountain trail (approximately 1.5-2 hours) or take the Kurama-dera Cable Car (¥200 one way) to reach a point closer to the main hall. Note that even with the cable car, a short uphill walk is still required.

Discover more about Mount Kurama

Mount Kurama, located in the northern part of Kyoto, is a mountain steeped in history, legend, and natural beauty. For centuries, it has been a sacred site, drawing pilgrims and visitors seeking spiritual solace and connection with nature. The mountain is home to Kurama-dera Temple, founded in 770 AD, and is also known as the birthplace of Reiki, a holistic healing art. The journey to the main hall of Kurama-dera can be made on foot or by cable car. The hiking trail winds through a lush cedar forest, past smaller shrines, and alongside ancient trees. The mountain is said to be guarded by Tengu, mythical creatures with both human and bird-like characteristics, adding to the area's mystical atmosphere. Statues and imagery of Tengu can be found throughout Kurama, especially near Kurama Station. At the summit, visitors are rewarded with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and forests. The main hall of Kurama-dera offers a place for contemplation and reflection, with its unique blend of Buddhist and Shinto beliefs. The temple is dedicated to Sonten, a trinity composed of Maoson, Bishamonten, and Senju Kannon. For those seeking relaxation, Kurama Onsen, a natural hot spring, is located near the base of the mountain, offering indoor and outdoor baths with therapeutic waters. A hike further up the mountain will take you to the village of Kibune, known for its shrine and riverside dining.

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Kamogawa Park

9.3 km

Escape to Kyoto's tranquil Kamogawa Park: a scenic riverside oasis offering relaxation, recreation, and a touch of local culture.

Takimata Falls

10.4 km

Discover Kyoto's hidden gem: Takimata Falls. Hike through serene forests, admire stone Buddhas, and witness the beauty of this 25-meter waterfall.

TOURS IN KYOTO

10.4 km

Discover Kyoto's rich cultural heritage through immersive guided tours of its iconic landmarks and hidden gems.

Kamogawa Delta

10.5 km

Where the Kamo and Takano Rivers meet in Kyoto, offering scenic relaxation, unique stepping stones, and a tranquil escape in the city.

Kyoto Imperial Palace

10.9 km

Discover the serene beauty and rich history of Kyoto Imperial Palace, a royal landmark surrounded by stunning gardens and traditional architecture.

Higashiyama Jisho-ji

11.0 km

Explore the tranquil beauty and rich history of Higashiyama Jisho-ji, a stunning Buddhist temple in Kyoto surrounded by serene gardens and breathtaking landscapes.

Ryōan-ji

11.1 km

Explore Ryoan-ji Temple in Kyoto, a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its tranquil Zen rock garden and serene Japanese architecture.

Kyoto Gyoen National Garden

11.2 km

Experience the breathtaking beauty of Kyoto Gyoen National Garden, a serene national park perfect for leisurely walks and cultural exploration amidst stunning landscapes.

Stepping Stones at Kojin

11.3 km

Explore the tranquil beauty of the Stepping Stones at Kojin in Kyoto, where nature and art converge in a stunning setting.

Heian Shrine

12.0 km

Experience the tranquil beauty and cultural richness of Heian Shrine in Kyoto, a must-visit Shinto shrine surrounded by stunning gardens.

ROHM Theatre Kyoto

12.2 km

Kyoto's premier performing arts venue, blending modern design with a rich history of cultural events and community engagement.

The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto

12.2 km

Discover unparalleled luxury and serene beauty at The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto, a perfect blend of tradition and modern elegance.

Face House

12.2 km

Explore the enchanting Face House in Kyoto, a blend of rich culture, stunning architecture, and tranquil surroundings for an unforgettable experience.

Eikan-dō Temple

12.3 km

Experience the serene beauty and rich history of Eikan-dō Temple, a must-visit Buddhist sanctuary in Kyoto, Japan, surrounded by stunning gardens.

Nijō Castle

12.4 km

Experience the grandeur of Nijō Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Kyoto, where history, architecture, and nature beautifully intertwine.

Unmissable attractions to see

Kuramadera Temple

0.6 km

Experience the spiritual tranquility and natural beauty at Kuramadera Temple, a hidden gem in Kyoto offering breathtaking hikes and cultural insights.

Kifune Shrine

0.8 km

Discover the serene beauty of Kifune Shrine, a sacred Shinto site in Kyoto, surrounded by lush nature and rich cultural traditions.

Yuki Shrine

0.9 km

Discover the serenity of Yuki Shrine, a hidden gem in Kyoto, where nature and spirituality intertwine in a tranquil setting.

Yumoto Onsen OharaSansou

4.6 km

Discover the serene beauty of Yumoto Onsen OharaSansou, a tranquil Japanese inn in Kyoto with rejuvenating hot springs and authentic cuisine.

Sanzen-in Temple

5.7 km

Discover tranquility at Sanzen-in Temple, a hidden gem in Kyoto known for its breathtaking gardens and rich Buddhist heritage.

Shimyo-in Temple

5.8 km

Explore the serene beauty of Shimyo-in Temple in Kyoto, a tranquil Buddhist sanctuary steeped in history and surrounded by breathtaking gardens.

Myōman-ji Temple

6.3 km

Experience the serene beauty and rich heritage of Myōman-ji Temple, a must-visit Buddhist temple in Kyoto's Sakyo Ward.

MK Bowl Kamigamo

6.8 km

Discover the vibrant atmosphere of MK Bowl Kamigamo in Kyoto, where fun meets friendly competition in a state-of-the-art bowling alley.

Rengeji Temple

7.1 km

Experience the peace of Rengeji Temple in Kyoto, where tradition and nature converge for a serene escape.

Ōta Shrine

7.2 km

Explore the tranquil beauty of Ōta Shrine, a historic Shinto shrine in Kyoto, surrounded by lush gardens and rich cultural heritage.

Kamigamo Shrine

7.3 km

Explore the historic and serene Kamigamo Shrine, a cultural gem in Kyoto, Japan, where spirituality meets breathtaking natural beauty.

Sekizan-zen-in Temple

8.0 km

Experience the serene beauty and rich cultural heritage of Sekizan-zen-in Temple in the heart of Kyoto's Sakyo Ward.

Shugakuin Imperial Villa

8.2 km

Explore the serene beauty and historical significance of Shugakuin Imperial Villa in Kyoto, where nature and tradition harmoniously coexist.

Kyoto Botanical Gardens

8.4 km

Discover the breathtaking beauty and tranquility of Kyoto Botanical Gardens, a lush sanctuary showcasing diverse plant life and serene landscapes.

Enryaku-ji Temple

8.7 km

Discover the enchanting Enryaku-ji Temple on Mount Hiei, a UNESCO World Heritage site rich in Buddhist history and natural beauty.

Essential places to dine

Hirobun

0.7 km

Discover Hirobun: A harmonious blend of Kaiseki dining and traditional Japanese inn experience in the heart of Kyoto.

Omi-ya

8.9 km

Discover Omi-ya in Kyoto: An affordable udon noodle shop serving delicious handmade dishes in a cozy setting.

菜食ペッティロッソ京都 Pettirosso Kyoto

9.4 km

Experience exquisite vegan cuisine at Pettirosso Kyoto, where health meets tradition in delightful dishes crafted from local ingredients.

Kichisen

9.8 km

Discover Kichisen in Kyoto: A premier kaiseki restaurant showcasing seasonal ingredients and traditional Japanese culinary artistry.

Nakau - Karasuma Imadegawa

10.3 km

Discover delicious Japanese comfort food at Nakau - Karasuma Imadegawa in Kyoto, featuring gyudon, soba noodles & more.

Steak Ichiro

10.6 km

Experience exquisite dining at Steak Ichiro, where premium steaks meet traditional Japanese hospitality in Kyoto's vibrant culinary scene.

Kyoto cuisine Teramachi Yoshikura

10.6 km

Discover authentic Kyoto cuisine at Teramachi Yoshikura – where traditional flavors meet modern creativity in an unforgettable dining experience.

cafe kozora

10.6 km

Experience authentic Italian cuisine at Cafe Kozora in Kyoto, where every dish tells a story and every sip transports you to Italy.

Restaurant Higakisaryo

11.0 km

Experience authentic Japanese cuisine at Restaurant Higakisaryo in Kyoto - where tradition meets culinary excellence.

Okonomiyaki Katsu

11.4 km

Experience authentic okonomiyaki in Kyoto at Okonomiyaki Katsu - where flavors come alive in every savory pancake!

Monk

11.4 km

Discover Monk: A top-rated pizza restaurant in Kyoto blending Italian tradition with local flavors for an unforgettable dining experience.

Nakaso Tango

11.6 km

Discover authentic Japanese cuisine at Nakaso Tango, where tradition meets flavor in the heart of Kyoto.

Arash's Kitchen

11.8 km

Experience authentic Asian cuisine at Arash's Kitchen in Kyoto—a culinary delight for every traveler seeking unique flavors.

Cenci

11.9 km

Discover Cenci in Kyoto - where exquisite Italian cuisine meets Japanese culinary artistry for an unforgettable dining experience.

Wasyoku restaurant Omi Kaiseki Kiyomoto

11.9 km

Experience the elegance of traditional Kyoto-style kaiseki at Omi Kaiseki Kiyomoto in Otsu - a must-visit for culinary enthusiasts.

Explore Kyoto LOFT: A vibrant general store with cosmetics, home goods, and unique novelties in the heart of Kyoto.

Experience the vibrant nightlife of Kyoto at Bar K-ya, where cozy ambiance meets an eclectic drink selection in the heart of the city.

Experience the electric nightlife of Kyoto at Maharaja, where dancing and vibrant rhythms create unforgettable memories.

Your Ultimate Free Travel Guide

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Mount Kurama: A Spiritual Mountain Escape

A brief summary to Mount Kurama

Local tips

Getting There

Public Transport

Walking

Unlock the Best of Mount Kurama

Buy tickets

Book tours with entry

Book tours without entry

Discover more about Mount Kurama

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Kamogawa Park

Takimata Falls

TOURS IN KYOTO

Kamogawa Delta

Kyoto Imperial Palace

Higashiyama Jisho-ji

Ryōan-ji

Kyoto Gyoen National Garden

Stepping Stones at Kojin

Heian Shrine

ROHM Theatre Kyoto

The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto

Face House

Eikan-dō Temple

Nijō Castle

Unmissable attractions to see

Kuramadera Temple

Kifune Shrine

Yuki Shrine

Yumoto Onsen OharaSansou

Sanzen-in Temple

Shimyo-in Temple

Myōman-ji Temple

MK Bowl Kamigamo

Rengeji Temple

Ōta Shrine

Kamigamo Shrine

Sekizan-zen-in Temple

Shugakuin Imperial Villa

Kyoto Botanical Gardens

Enryaku-ji Temple

Essential places to dine

Hirobun

Omi-ya

菜食ペッティロッソ 京都 Pettirosso Kyoto

Kichisen

Nakau - Karasuma Imadegawa

Steak Ichiro

Kyoto cuisine Teramachi Yoshikura

cafe kozora

Restaurant Higakisaryo

Okonomiyaki Katsu

Monk

Nakaso Tango

Arash's Kitchen

Cenci

Wasyoku restaurant Omi Kaiseki Kiyomoto

Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

Bando Kinran - Co., Ltd. Bando Store

Kyo-komono Kinugasa

Kyoto Handicraft Center

Daikichi

D_MALL京都

京都・うつわ・食器 / Gallery Nisui 而水

Rōji Tempo

Sanjo Meiten-gai Shopping Arcade

Furugiya KINJI Kyototen

GOHOBI - Kyoto Sanjo-Teramachi

Media Shop

musubi -kyoto-

MoMA Design Store Kyoto

mina Kyoto

Kyoto LOFT

Essential bars & hidden hideouts

House of KI NO BI

Bar K6

Bar Fishbowl

Caamm bar

菜食ペッティロッソ京都 Pettirosso Kyoto

Lounge & Bar 1867 (ダーワ・悠洛京都 by バンヤン・グループ)

祗園フィリピン club ROYAL(クラブロイヤル)