Sacred Peaks and Ancient Paths: The Kurama-Kibune Hiking Experience

Escape the bustling streets of Kyoto and immerse yourself in the tranquil beauty of Kurama-dera Temple and Kifune-jinja Shrine. Tucked away in the forested mountains north of Kyoto, the scenic trail connecting the villages of Kurama (鞍馬) and Kibune (木船) offers a breathtaking blend of history, nature, and spirituality. On this guided hike, you'll journey through sacred temple grounds, uncover sacred shrines and natural sites that are believed to hold spiritual energy, and navigate a rugged yet rewarding mountain trail that has drawn monks, warriors, and mystics for centuries.

As we are hiking through the mountains, we highly recommend purchasing food items and drinks before the tour starts, and bringing them with you.

Highlights

• Visit Kurama-dera Temple, a spiritual site with connections to Reiki healing.
• Hike through the Kurama mountain trail, surrounded by lush cedar forests and serene landscapes.
• Discover Kifune-jinja Shrine, known for its beautiful stone lantern-lined stairway and water blessings.
• Enjoy a scenic journey on the Eizan Railway, one of Kyoto’s most picturesque train lines.

Description

Our journey begins at Kyoto Station at 9:30 A.M., where we take the Karasuma Subway Line to Kokusaikaikan Station. From there, we enjoy a short 15-20 minute walk through a quiet residential area to Iwakura Station on the Eizan Railway.

We board the scenic Eizan Railway and enjoy a peaceful ride through the northern Kyoto countryside. After about 30 minutes, we arrive at Kurama Station, the gateway to the sacred mountain.

We start our hike at Kurama-dera, a historic temple perched on the slopes of Mount Kurama. Kurama-dera is home to an awe-inspiring main hall with panoramic views and mysterious guardian statues. Beneath the temple, you’ll find a powerful spiritual site where pilgrims leave locks of hair as offerings, seeking divine protection and blessings. The temple and mountain also hold a special place for Reiki practitioners.

From here, we embark on a scenic mountain hike, traversing dense cedar forests, hidden shrines, and steep stairways. The trail is steep and uneven in parts, making navigation tricky—especially in wet or hot weather—but your guide ensures a safe and steady pace while sharing the stories and legends of this mystical route.

Descending into the peaceful village of Kibune, we arrive at the revered Kifune Shrine, dedicated to the goddess of water and rain. This atmospheric shrine is known for its iconic red lantern-lined staircase, a picturesque spot that captures the beauty of every season. Here, visitors can write wishes on special water-activated omikuji (fortune papers) and watch their fortunes appear magically on the surface of the sacred spring water.

After our shrine visit, we take a short bus ride down to Kibuneguchi Station, where we board the Eizan Railway back to Kyoto.

MEETUP POINTS

JR Kyoto Station @ 9:30 A.M.

Meetup Point: Just Outside the JR Kyoto Station Central Ticket Gates

If you are arriving by train, exit through the JR Kyoto Station Central Ticket Gates, but do not leave the building. We will be waiting under the covered area near the central ticket gates, in front of the directory sign. After exiting, look to your left, and you should see a large escalator.

If you are arriving by bus or on foot, enter Kyoto Station through the central entrance and walk towards the JR Central Ticket Gates—you’ll find us nearby under the covered area.

You may wait nearby there until the tour begins at 9:30 A.M. Be sure to look for the guide holding a SNOW MONKEY RESORTS tour sign. We highly recommend arriving early as Kyoto station can be quite crowded. 

NOTES

Included

• English speaking guide
• Transportation during the tour
• Entry fees at all tour locations

Excluded

• Lunch
• Accommodation
• Transportation to/from Kyoto Station

Other Information

• The hike covers approximately 4 km and requires a moderate level of fitness. It takes about 2 hours to complete. Please come prepared with comfortable walking or hiking shoes, layered clothing, a backpack, water, snacks, and insect repellent. Due to the nature of the hike, this tour is not recommended for those with limited mobility. Please check the weather forecast before you head to the meetup point and prepare an umbrella or raincoat if necessary.
• In the summer, temperature highs are around 35 °C (95 °F) and above with extreme humidity. We recommend wearing something light and airy while minding sunburn and heatstroke. A parasol is highly encouraged.
• Winter temperatures average between 0℃-10℃ (32°F-50°F). Please wear warm clothing and footwear appropriate for cold conditions.