Kuramadera Temple

Completed the Kurama-Kurobe hike which starts from Kurama Station and through the trail to Kurobe. Total of 3.0km (as per my Garmin smartwatch) mostly cobblestone, or concrete steps and some gravel paths. Track is well sign posted and beautiful. Took around 2.5h slowly walking and enjoying the stunning red Japanese maple trees, listening to bird sounds and stopping by the Natural history museum. I think suitable for young and old as long as you have no mobility restrictions, or if you are willing to go slowly. After all, it is a pilgrimage!

Kurama-dera Temple – A Magical Night Experience in Kyoto If you are looking for something truly unique during your trip, Kurama-dera Temple at night is an absolute must. The atmosphere completely transforms after sunset — quiet, mystical, and filled with a calm spiritual energy that you can actually feel as you walk through the temple grounds. The soft lighting along the pathways creates a beautiful contrast with the dark forest, and the temple structures glow gently in the night. It feels like stepping into another world — peaceful, sacred, and deeply moving. Unlike daytime visits, the night view offers a sense of solitude and mystery that makes the experience incredibly special. For anyone visiting Kyoto, especially those who want to witness a different side of temple culture, Kurama-dera at night is unforgettable. Take your time, breathe in the mountain air, and enjoy a moment of pure spiritual connection.

Amazing. We went to kifune for shrines and river views, then hiked back to kuruma station stopping at many shrines and temples along the way. It was spectacular. This is a must-do day trip from the center of Kyoto, particularly in mid November when the hiking weather was perfect, the scenic train ride with the maple leaves was breathtaking, and the riverside at kifune is not as busy. We took the tram car back for fun, but walking probably would have taken the same amount of time. Can't go wrong either way.

There's 2 point of entry to this shrine. There are multiple tiny shrines along the way. I happened to enter the West Gate. Which I almost dead walking up the trail. It is rocky and steep walking up the shrine. The views are breathtaking - literally breathtaking while hiking. It is a easy hike up. You pay a small fee - I think it was roughly 700 yen (cash only). Hiking sticks and a map are provided. Take plenty of water with you. I do not recommend doing this hike during summer. The heat will get to you. The shrine was beautiful. I stayed for a short while to take in the views and the reward of walking up the mountain. I wish I could have stayed longer but I was rushing to the cable car as it was raining half way through my walk. There are toilets available at some shrines along the way. There is a cable car at the other point of entry but I would suggest walking from the west gate first if you want to visit the whole area. This will also be a train ride back instead of waiting for the bus in Kifune. When exiting to the Niomon Gate, Kurama Station is a 5 min walk away through the quiet streets. You'll find the Mount Kurama Daitengu sculpture at the front of the train station, along with the train sculpture.

I was told it took a day to walk to, it’s not true, actually took less than 1h at a slow pace. There are lots of small shrines on the way to the main temple. Very peaceful, not many tourists. Definitely recommend, the trek is really peaceful. Goshuin 500¥

great place especially if you are into hiking. not that touristy so you can enjoy the scenery comfortably. A lot of locals going here for praying so just respect each other while seeing them praying.

Beautiful. Get your walking shoes, and be aware that the top will be a cooler temperature. But definitely worth the hike. Make sure to stop at the little museum!

This is something to experience. It is a little off the grid and not nearly as crowded. We went in mid May. We took our time once of the fernicular going up first hill. We did the walk over the mountain to Kibune. It was a wonderful walk with a fair amount alone. We were spaced out and occasionally passed people coming in other direction. It was unexpected when a wild monkey crossed our path and we saw 2 more cleaning up. Recommend training to enter Kumadera and walk to Kibune to eat, catch an Uber back to the On-Sen and then train back to Kyoto.

It is located on the mountain hill．Surrounded by greenery, cool in summer and shivering cold in snowy winter. I have been here several times by driving or taking an Eizan railway. I would like to tell you the worst incident about 20 years ago. I came here to see the famous magnificent fire festival held nearby Yuki shrine at night of Oct. 22 (same day with Jidai festival) with my friend. In this festival local young men walk along the street in a procession with flaming torches, which is worth seeing. After work we rushed to the destination, but stopped at the Demachiyanagi station and had to wait for a long time. The small train was jam packed, we could not get on it soon. When we arrived, unfortunately the festival was already over. If you would like to observe this marvelous magnificent festival, you had better reach here in early time. Also in this temple you can experience in copying Buddhist sutra by handwriting or listening to the Buddhist lecture on regular day. Note: there are eating spots around the temple, some of which are pricy.