Kurama-dera

Temple

Prefecture

Kyoto

Type

Temple

N/A

0 reviews

¥300

Entry Fee

Train Access Cafe

About This Destination

A powerful mountain temple said to be where Yoshitsune trained as a child. The forested trail connecting Kurama to neighboring Kifune is one of Kyoto's best hikes.

Kurama-dera was founded in 770 AD and sits on the sacred Mt. Kurama in northern Kyoto. The temple is famed as the place where the legendary warrior Minamoto no Yoshitsune (then called Ushiwakamaru) trained in martial arts with the tengu spirits as a child. Rather than conventional Buddhism, the temple practices its own syncretic faith centered on Sonten, a cosmic life force believed to emanate from the mountain. The main hall at the mountaintop offers sweeping views of the northern Kyoto mountains. The highlight for most visitors is the roughly 1.5-kilometer mountain trail connecting Kurama to the Kifune area on the other side, passing through towering cedar forests, moss-covered root paths (kibune), and the atmospheric Mao-den hall. A cable car covers the first steep section for those who prefer a shorter climb. The Kurama Fire Festival (Kurama no Hi Matsuri) on October 22nd is one of Kyoto's most dramatic festivals, with enormous torches carried through the village streets at night.

Location

Prefecture: Kyoto

Address: Kyoto, Japan

Nearest Station: Kurama Station

View on Google Maps

Visitor Information

Credit Cards: Unknown

Food Options: A small teahouse near the main hall sells drinks and light snacks. The Kurama village at the base has several restaurants serving local mountain cuisine including wild boar and river fish. Kibune on the other side of the trail is famous for kawadoko riverside dining in summer.

Official Website

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get to Kurama-dera?

From Demachiyanagi Station (the northern terminus of the Keihan Line), take the Eizan Railway Kurama Line to Kurama Station, the terminus (about 30 minutes, 470 yen). The temple gate is right across from the station. Many visitors do the popular Kurama-to-Kibune hike, descending to Kibune-guchi Station for the return train. From central Kyoto, total travel time is about 45 minutes.

What's the entry fee structure?

Adult admission is 500 yen (raised from 300 in recent years), called 'aizen-fees' that contributes to the temple's preservation. The cable car from the lower mountain station to Tahōtō covers the steepest section (one-way 200 yen, donation-style). The cable car saves about 30 minutes of walking up. Cash only. Open 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM (last admission 4:00 PM). Reihokan Treasure House requires an additional 200 yen.

What is the Kurama-to-Kibune hike like?

About 1.5 km one way through forested mountains, with about 200 m elevation change — an easy-moderate hike taking 1–1.5 hours. The trail passes Yoshitsune training spots, Mao-den (the 'Demon King Hall' built atop a meteorite), and ancient cedar root paths called Kibune-no-ne. The Kibune end has riverside restaurants (kawadoko platforms over the river in summer) and Kibune Shrine. Wear hiking shoes — the trail is rocky and root-tangled. Total day-trip from Kyoto: 5–6 hours.

When is the best time to visit Kurama-dera?

Mid-November for autumn foliage on the trail and around the main hall — one of Kyoto's most atmospheric foliage hikes. Summer for kawadoko riverside dining at Kibune (book in advance). October 22 for the dramatic Kurama Fire Festival (Kurama no Hi Matsuri), where giant pine torches are carried through the village (extremely crowded — book accommodations months ahead). Avoid winter (snow makes the trail dangerous). Mornings before 11 are quietest.