Kurama Things to Do

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Kurama-dera Temple was founded by a monk in 770. Although the temple's main building is up the mountain (near the mid-way point along the path from Kurama to Kifune), it is actually spread out over the mountainside. The temple's gate is actually near Kurama Station, before you reach Yuki Shrine, and the pagoda is at the top of the cablecar. The large tengu statue at the bottom is there because it is said that Yoshitsune meditated and studied martial arts here under the guidance of a tengu (holy creatures that resemble humans and birds, easily recognized by their long noses).

At the main shrine, there is a scenic overlook of the surrounding areas. You can enter the main hall for 200 yen.

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Yuki Shrine is the first shrine you will come across if you enter from Kurama Station. It is famous as the site of the Kurama Fire Festival held on October 22. It was built to protect Kyoto's northern borders from evil spirits that may try to enter during the Momoyama Period in the architectural style of the same name. The huge cedar tree towering above the area is over 800 years old and is considered holy.

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Also called Kibune Shrine, this shrine is divided into three parts located within walking distance of one another. The main shrine that you see today is the first of the shrines along the road and the most modern. The most interesting thing here are the fortunes. They are on paper and to see your fortune, you must dip the paper in the water at the shrine and it will then appear!

The middle shrine is just a bit further up the road. There is mostly forest there today.

Slightly further down is the upper shrine (Okumiya), and although the modern shrine is viewed as the main shrine today, this is the original, historical Kifune Shrine. It is small, but its history extends 1600 years. The shrine is older than Kyoto and when Kyoto became the capital, offerings were made here by the court. If you want to see the "true" Kifune Shrine then this is where you should go.

All three parts of the shrine are free to visit.

A good idea could be to start the hike from Kibune and finish at Kurama so you can enjoy a hot soak at Kurama Onsen. The view is very nice and the big bath is outdoors with a small indoors. The price is quite high at 1100 yen and I believe I smelled chlorine in the water. Nevertheless a thoroughly enjoyable visit.

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Hiking Kurama is a beautiful thing to do especially in the fall when the leaves turn in mid November. There are so many great little spots, especially if you have an awareness of chi energy.

A book recently came out, available on American amazon.com that talks about the mountain extensively, and describes what you will see there. Called Reiki's Birthplace:A guide to Mt Kurama, has information on what you will see site by site, and what deities are present.

This is probably main attraction of the town/village of Kurama. The Hot Spring! For about 1,100 yen, you enjoy the bath. Might be expensive to some but it's one of those things that you should not miss while you're in Japan. Go to the onsen after visiting Kurama temple. After all those hiking up mt. Kurama, I think the bath will be more enjoyable. Overnight accomodation is also available.

There is free shuttle to the onsen, but walking will give you a better enjoyment because the onsen is not that far from the station. You get to see, feel, and breathe the fresh air of a japanese countryside. I highly recommend it.

What could be better after a brisk walk than a soak in a hot steaming bath. And why not share your bath with your friends!!!!!

Welcome to Kurama Onsen!

For the outdoor onsen (rotembero) - when the bus drops you off walk towards the building on the right, up the slope. Buy a ticket from the machine before the manned booth (1100 yen) and hand the ticket to the man - you can also purchase small modesty towels here, although they didn't seem to be getting much use on my last visit. Continue up the stairs and to the changing rooms where you will need 100 yen for the lockers (which is refundable).

Note that there are seperate facilities for men and women.

Remember to wash thoroughly before entering the rotembero (there are the outside wash stations on your left as you walk out to the rotembero, however on a chilly day, you may find the indoor wash stations more comfortable - from the change room they are through the door on the right - wish I'd known this on my first visit!), and make sure you have rinsed the soap off - there are signs requesting that visitors only enter the water naked.

If you are feeling hungry - food is served in the building on the left - they do very good sashimi and tofu sets and the tendon (shrimp and vegetable tempura rice bowl - 1000 yen) is delicious. Prices are about double what you would pay in Osaka.