Temple · Kurama / Sakyo
Kurama-dera 鞍馬寺
A mountain temple in the cedar forests north of Kyoto, home of the legendary tengu and birthplace of Reiki, linked to Kibune by a root-tangled hiking trail over the ridge.
Cable car (adult, one way): ¥200
Reihoden museum: ¥200
About
Kurama-dera was founded in 770 on Mt. Kurama, a mountain long associated with mountain spirits and tengu goblins, who are said to have taught swordsmanship to the young Minamoto no Yoshitsune here. From the Niomon gate a steep path or a tiny cable car climbs to the main hall, whose terrace holds a hexagram-like stone triangle that many visitors treat as a power spot and offers views over the forested mountains. The temple also claims Sonten, a trinity of spirits including Mao-son, a being said to have descended from Venus 6.5 million years ago, and Usui Mikao developed Reiki after meditating on the mountain. Beyond the main hall, a well-trodden trail leads through cedar woods and over exposed roots past Yoshitsune's training ground and the Maoden hall, then descends steeply to Kibune; the full walk takes about 1.5 hours. The Eizan Railway ride from Demachiyanagi, with its panoramic train, is part of the experience.
Highlights
- Main hall terrace with views over the Kitayama mountains
- Kinone-michi, a path of exposed cedar roots used, legend says, by Yoshitsune for training
- Kurama-Kibune trail ending at Kibune Shrine
- Reihoden museum with a Bishamonten statue and a gallery on poet Yosano Akiko
- Eizan Railway Kirara panoramic train through maple tunnels
Tips
- Hike from Kurama to Kibune rather than the reverse: the climb from Kurama is gentler.
- The cable car is small, a donation-based 200 yen, and occasionally suspended for inspection.
- Finish in Kibune for kawadoko riverside dining in summer, or soak at Kurama Onsen first.
- Wear proper shoes; the trail is steep and slippery after rain.
Open in Google Maps · Info checked 2026-10-09
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