Kurama Travel Guide

 Rabbityama Says:  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... 

 Rabbityama Says:  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... 

 Rabbityama Says:  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... 

 Circle88 Says:  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.... 

 reikijess Says:  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... 

 meimivw Says:  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.... 

 meimivw Says:  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. 

 mikegr Says:  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... 

 mikegr Says:  Kurama is a charming village, and walking through the village from the Kibune walk to the onsen will give you the opportunity to see rural life in (slow motion) action. 

 mikegr Says:  When you go into the temple, Kurama-dera, don't miss the opportuinity to visit the crypt type place downstairs. There are stairs at both ends of the temple, but they are easy to miss if you are not looking for them.It is dimly illuminated with many lanterns hanging from the... 

 mikegr Says:  Just down the hill from Kurama -dera temple complex, check out this spring sculpted like a dragon. These are commonly seen around Japaense temples, and I love them. this is another one of my favourites. 

 mikegr Says:  Okuno-in Mao-den is the first (and possibly most attractive) of the sub-temples encountered after leaving Kibune, on the walk towards Kurama, about 15-20 minutes up the path.The picture is of a structure which you can't approach, as it is behind a wall, however it looks... 

 mikegr Says:  Kibune-jinja shrine in Kibune may not be the most stunning shrine ever, but it is well worth doing the short detour in Kibune village to see it. To get there walk through the large red tori gate on the left in Kibune, and follow the red lanterns up the steps. 

 meimivw Says:  There is a free shuttle that will take you from the station to the onsen. I recommend walking to the onsen and take the shuttle when it's time to go back to station instead.