Kurama and Kibune hike from Kyoto: Mountain temples and shrines

Sacred temples, forest trails, and a shrine lit by red lanterns

A guided hike from Kyoto through the forested mountains connecting Kurama and Kibune, visiting Kurama-dera Temple and Kifune Shrine. The route crosses steep stairways and dense cedar forests, descending into the peaceful village of Kibune where a water-activated fortune ritual awaits at the shrine's red lantern-lined entrance. Transport, guide and all entry fees are included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Hike Kurama and Kibune ancient paths

• Meet at Kyoto Station
• Take Karasuma Subway to Kokusaikaikan Station
• Walk to Iwakura Station
• Ride Eizan Railway to Kurama Station
• Explore Kurama-dera Temple
• Hike mountain trail through cedar forests
• Visit Kifune Shrine in Kibune
• Take bus to Kibuneguchi Station
• Return to Kyoto by Eizan Railway

What’s included

• Transportation via subway, railway and bus.
• entry fees at Kurama-dera Temple and Kifune Shrine.
• an English-speaking guide throughout the hike.

Times

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• Every day 09:30

Information

Hike from Kurama-dera Temple through cedar forests to Kifune Shrine in the mountains north of Kyoto with an English-speaking guide, including all entry fees and transport.

Group Up to 12 2 similar private tours ›

Live guide English

Meeting point and pickup No hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point. 1 similar tour with pickup › See the exact address

Book up to 1d before

Ages Adult (13 and older) · Child (6 to 12 years) · Infant (under 6): free

Cancellation and refunds Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Good to know

Moderate physical effort Public transport nearby Infants must sit on laps

More information The exact meeting point address, the operator’s instructions and every other detail are in the full listing. See the full listing

Traveler reviews

5.00 ★★★★★ Exceptional 11 verified traveler reviews

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The experience

The day starts at Kyoto Station at 9:30 a.m., where you take the Karasuma Subway Line to Kokusaikaikan Station, then walk 15–20 minutes through a quiet residential area to Iwakura Station. From there, the Eizan Railway carries you north through the countryside for about 30 minutes to Kurama Station. This sequence of transit and walking is part of the journey itself: by the time you arrive at Kurama-dera, you've already left the city behind.

Kurama-dera sits on the slopes of Mount Kurama with a main hall offering panoramic views and mysterious guardian statues. Beneath the temple lies a spiritual site where pilgrims leave locks of hair as offerings. The mountain also holds significance for Reiki practitioners. From here, the hike begins in earnest: a steep, uneven mountain trail through dense cedar forests, past hidden shrines and stairways. The terrain is tricky in wet or hot weather, but your guide sets a steady pace and shares the stories and legends that have drawn monks, warriors, and mystics to this route for centuries. The trail descends gradually into the peaceful village of Kibune.

Kifune Shrine awaits at the bottom, dedicated to the goddess of water and rain. The shrine is known for its iconic red lantern-lined staircase and an unusual ritual: you write a wish on special omikuji (fortune papers), place it on the surface of the sacred spring water, and watch your fortune appear as the paper dissolves. After the shrine visit, a short bus ride takes you down to Kibuneguchi Station, where you board the Eizan Railway back to Kyoto.

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (6 to 12 years); Infant (under 6): free.

How steep is the trail between Kurama and Kibune?

The mountain hike crosses steep stairways and uneven terrain through dense cedar forests, making navigation tricky in wet or hot weather. Your guide ensures a safe and steady pace throughout, and the route is manageable with at least a moderate level of physical fitness.

What is Kifune Shrine known for?

Kifune Shrine is dedicated to the goddess of water and rain and is famous for its red lantern-lined staircase. Visitors write wishes on special water-activated omikuji (fortune papers), place them on the sacred spring water, and watch the fortunes appear as the paper dissolves.

What does the hike include besides the trail itself?

The tour includes all transportation to and from Kyoto Station (subway, railway and bus), entry fees at Kurama-dera Temple and Kifune Shrine, and an English-speaking guide who shares the history and legends of the route.

How long does the entire tour take?

The full experience is 5.5 hours, starting at Kyoto Station at 9:30 a.m. and including transit time, the hike, shrine visits and the return journey by rail.

What is special about Kurama-dera Temple?

Kurama-dera is a historic temple perched on Mount Kurama's slopes with a main hall offering panoramic views and guardian statues. Below the temple is a spiritual site where pilgrims leave locks of hair as offerings, and the mountain holds significance for Reiki practitioners.

Operated by Snow Monkey Resorts Tours (Machinovate Japan Ltd.). Explorevia does not run this tour: we compare it with similar options, and you book it with our booking partner.

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