Walter Aaron
Google
Kurama-dera Temple is a peaceful gem in the mountains just north of Kyoto. What like about it is that it has lesser tourists here compared to other famous temples. The hike up is scenic, passing through towering cedar trees and offering fresh mountain air-well worth the effort, though there’s also a cable car if you prefer that will cost you 200¥ per person for one way trip. Our hike took us slightly more than an hour to reach the main temple area. Along the way, we even spotted few deers along hiking path. It was worth it!
We then took the cable car down and the view was beautiful although the trip down was just about 2 minutes long.
The temple itself is spacious, rarely crowded, and features stunning views over the valley. If you love nature, history, or just want a break from the city crowds, Kurama-dera is a fantastic and memorable spot to visit.