Estimated reading time: 10 minutes
Why visit Kurama-dera Temple? It’s no secret that Kyoto has become a crowded tourist-filled city. As far as my eye could see, groups of curious tourists wander all around (including us!). It can get crowded, hot, and overwhelming- especially for introverts!
Are you seeking a tranquil sanctuary from Kyoto? Kurama-dera Temple (鞍馬寺) is the answer! This beautiful Buddhist temple is the perfect destination for a break from the packed and congested city. It is amazing for nature lovers and peaceful introverts alike. In my personal experience, it was a magical place for hiking and resting your soul.
Table of contents
The story of Mount Kurama and Kurama-dera Temple
A little history
The Buddhist temple itself was built in 770, and it was started by the monk Gantei from Nara. He had a vision of a white horse that led him to Kurama Valley, and eventually he made the decision to build the Kurama-dera under the top of Mt Kurama. The temple is associated with the Tendai school of Buddhism, where they worship the deities Bishamon-ten (毘沙門天) and the thousand-armed Senju Kannon (Guanyin, 観音).
Own brand of Buddhism
Presently, hat is unique about Kurama-dera now is its own brand of Buddhism, with esoteric deity worshipped in the temple. Interestingly, in 1949 the temple broke off from the Tendai sect and became a sect of its own: Kurama Kokyo (鞍馬弘教).
Particularly, the Kurama-Kokyo sect believes in the sacredness of nature- in particular Mount Kurama. The mountain is believed to be a source of spiritual energy. It combines elements of Buddhism, Shintoism, and esoteric teachings. This blend reflects the belief in the interconnectedness of all spiritual forces.
Interesting sights
An interesting point of attraction is the A-Un tiger statues in the Niomon gate, which was created to honor the god of war Bishamon-ten. Legend says that a vision of the deity Bishamon-ten riding a tiger showed up at the hour of the Tiger, day of the Tiger, and the year of the Tiger.
There is a famous shrine in the area as well, called Yuki-jinja shrine. Yuki jinja shrine was built in 940, and it is where the townspeople hold an annual Kurama Fire Festival (every October 22nd). The Shinto shrine is also famous for the Japanese cedar tree Osugi-san, which is over 800 years old (wow!). This holy tree is believed to be able to grant your wish if you pray sincerely.
We made a stop here as well to admire the wooden building. You can also buy charms to pray for safe childbirth, good business, and even to improve your studies at school!
King of Tengu and Reiki
The famous Kurama mountain is also famous for being the home of supernatural creature Tengu and the energy healing method Reiki! The fierce supernatural being with long nose is depicted with a bright red statue right in front of the Kurama station. Legend says that the strong King of Tengu, Sōjōbō, lived here.
What do people do there?
Hiking leisurely
Hiking to the Kurama-dera Temple is the main attraction of this town. The main temple is accessible by hiking 30-45 minutes in the forest shaded by old-growth Cryptomeria trees. The winding walk starts from the upper end of the town of Kurama to the front of the main hall of Kurama-dera. Get lost in the beautiful scenery and admire the small shrines dotting the way.
The path is lined with stone pavement and stone steps, which can be uneven due to the nature of the stones. Be careful of spiderwebs if you are going on an early morning hike- they can stick to you when you pass on open paths! Wear comfortable exercise shoes and clothes for the most enjoyable experience.
A cable car is also available to take you up to the trail’s halfway point, but you’d still have to prepare for a 20-30 minute walk to the main hall of the mountain temple.
Stop by the gift shop for some unique souvenirs, snacks, and drinks!
Visit the temple
The Buddhist statues at Kurama-dera Temple are considered National Treasures or Important Cultural Properties of Japan. These cultural and spiritual assets include: the statues of Bishamon-ten and Sonten in the main hall (本殿) and the statue of Senju Kannon in the Kannon-do Hall (観音堂).
Buy a talisman
Like many temples in Japan, you can buy an omikuji (fortune telling sheets) and talismans in this historic place. The charms are adorned with unique designs for luck, success, and protection. They are believed to carry the spiritual energy of the mountain. The prices range from ¥500 to ¥1,500.
Let’s eat: small town cuisine in Japan
After our hike, we decided to try the local cuisine. We chose a noodle shop called Nagomiya Kotengu (和み家 心天狗), which is located just a short walk away from the main entrance of Mount Kurama. The meal was very comforting, and I would recommend this restaurant for a heartwarming post-hike meal!
We ordered the duck soba noodle soup (kamo nanban, ¥1,550) and the beef and egg rice bowl (tanindon, ¥1,400). Both dishes were like a warm hug after a rigorous hike up the mountains. The friendly owner also served a refreshing jug of tea and a small side of fresh pickles. Truly a meal we’d remember when we think of this quiet getaway.
Where is Kurama-dera Temple Located?
Location, location, location
We woke up bright and early for our day trip to this sacred mountain. The Kuramadera Temple is located in Kurama, a quaint rural town situated in the north of Kyoto. It is easily accessible by public transportation- good news for visitors who are not driving rental cars! Keihan Main Line trains stop at the city of Kurama’s train station, where you can find a giant head of Tengu outside of the building.
How far is it from Kyoto?
From central Kyoto, the city of Kurama can be reached in around 35 minutes. The northern mountains of Kyoto city is thankfully accessible by train, including the Mt Kurama. You have to get to a certain station where the train line starts, but it is a straightforward journey.
To maximize your time there, I do suggest you to come earlier in the morning to enjoy the peaceful hiking trail to the Kurama temple.
Is there any admission fee?
Admission Fee
Mt. Kurama: ¥500
Cable car (adult one way): ¥200
Cable car (children one way): ¥100
Mt Kurama museum: ¥200
There is an admission fee of ¥500 to enter Mt Kurama, payable at the entrance. The fee is used to conserve and nurture the nature and the mountain shrines. The ticket also doubles as a bookmark, how cute!
If you are traveling with children or older people- or if you’re not so keen on hiking all the way, you can purchase cable car ticket from the station inside. The cable car ticket costs ¥200 one way for adults and it goes up halfway through the hiking trail. It is available every 15-20 minutes, with operating hours from 8:45 – 16:30 (varies by season).
How do I get there?
By train
The best way to get to Kurama from Kyoto is from the Demachi-yanagi Station. From this train station, you can take the Eizan Main Line and reach the Kurama Station in 34 minutes! You can use your IC cards (Suica, ICOCA, Pasmo), which is incredibly convenient.
This train has a stretch of beautiful maple tree scenery called the Maple Tree Tunnel 🍁! This 250 m stretch of railway is incredibly beautiful and romantic in fall, as the leaves changes color to bright orange. The Maple Tree Tunnel is located 20 minutes from Demachiyanagi Station, between Ichihara Station and Ninose Station.
By car
For a similar route from Demachiyanagi Station, driving takes 25 minutes to the Kuramadera Temple. Please note that the temple itself does not have parking, but there are parking lots nearby in the town of Kurama.
Contact Information
Kurama-dera Temple Office
Tel 075-741-2003
TL;DR
In short, the Kurama-dera Temple is the perfect day trip from Kyoto for introverts who are seeking peaceful environments. The hike up the mountain is absolutely wonderful, and being surrounded by nature never gets old.
Admire the intricately constructed temple as well, where Buddhism and Shinto merges into one remarkable, deeply historical structure. Enjoy pleasant rest stops and a yummy adventure of a small town’s local cuisine. All in all, it is a lovely outing right outside of Kyoto. Wishing you an enjoyable holiday in Japan!
For more intriguing articles on Japan, check out my Japan tag. I wrote about tea ceremonies in Kyoto, a day trip to the bowing deers of Nara, and the tea museum in Uji. Don’t miss out on these exciting adventures!
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