Romon Gate
Walk from the tengu statue outside Kurama Station to the temple's entrance gate, then begin the climb toward Yuki-jinja Shrine.
Approx. 5 min
Walk · 267 m
1 of 5; final preview opens all photos
Kurama to Kibune Hike
Kurama · Kibune
Private tourGuided in English
Hike from Kurama to Kibune through dense cedar forests and along root-covered paths, discovering the mountain legends and water worship behind its temple and shrine.
Overview
A forest trail across Mount Kurama connects Kurama-dera Temple with Kifune-jinja Shrine. On this private hike, follow your guide up through the temple grounds, along root-covered paths in dense cedar forests, and down to the riverside village of Kibune. Discover the legends of Kurama’s mountain paths and the traditions of Kibune’s water worship.
- Hike across Mount Kurama from Kurama-dera Temple to the riverside village of Kibune
- Discover the legends of Yoshitsune and tengu along Kurama’s root-covered paths
- Explore why the imperial court turned to Kifune-jinja Shrine for rain to fall and rain to cease
Itinerary
Yuki-jinja Shrine
Climb the temple approach to a shrine known for Kurama's fire festival, where an 800-year-old sacred cedar stands beside the worship hall.
Approx. 10 min
Walk · 791 m
Main Hall
Reach the main hall and take in views of the surrounding mountains. Discover what the paired tigers and the star-mandala stone courtyard reveal about the temple's beliefs.
Approx. 20 min
Walk · 480 m
Kinone-michi Path
Walk across Kinone-michi, a forest path where exposed roots cross the mountain trail.
Approx. 15 min
Walk · 200 m
Fudo-do Hall
Continue through the forest to Fudōdō Hall, a quiet hall beside the mountain path.
Approx. 10 min
Walk · 240 m
Mao-den Hall
Continue through the forest to a small hall beside sacred rocks, revered in Kurama-dera's tradition as the place where Gohō Maōson descended.
Approx. 10 min
Walk · 573 m
Kibune
Descend to the Kibune River and cross into a village of traditional inns and restaurants, following the riverside road toward the shrine.
Approx. 5 min
Walk · 70 m
Kifune Shrine
Climb the lantern-lined stone steps to a shrine dedicated to the deity of water. Explore the imperial court's offerings of horses in prayers for rain to fall and rain to cease.
Approx. 20 min
Things to Know
Frequently asked questions
Group scope
Yes. This tour is private for your group (1-8 guests).