Spiritual Hiking in Kurama
Overview
This hike is from Kurama to Kibune which are located in the north of Kyoto City. After about a 30 minute train ride from the city, you will reach a small village in Kurama area which is known for the Kurama dera temple. Kuramadera Temple is the headquarter of Kurama school which is an independent school of Buddhism. The mountain of Kurama is the birthplace of Reiki. Reiki is one of the alternative therapies which is called energy healing. You might feel a spiritual power at the temple. Behind the main building of the temple, the hiking trail leads to Kibune town. It takes about an hour from Kuramadera Temple to Kibune. In the hiking trail, you will see the magnificent views of the forest with exposed roots of cider trees. In Kibune, there is a famous shrine called Kifune Shrine which worships the deity of water. There are shops, restaurants and cafes along with a river.
Tour Information
Duration: 5 hours approx. 9:00-14:00
Meeting Point: Kyoto Station Central Gate
Transportation: JR train, Keihan train, Eizan train, bus
Itinerary: Meet at Kyoto Station - (JR, Keihan and Eizan train) - Kurama Station - (on foot) - Kuramadera Temple - (on foot) - Kibune Shrine - (Eizan, Keihan and JR train) - Kyoto Station
What's included: Guide fee
What's not included: Entrance fee, Transportation fee, Meal
Detailed Itinerary
The tour starts at Kyoto Station and takes a JR train to Tofukuji Station and change trains there to Keihan Line to Demachiyanagi Station. From there you will take the Eizan Line to Kurama Station. Soon after you get out of the station, you will see a statue of a big red face with a long nose. This is a face of a legendary creature called Tengu which is commonly found in Japanese folklore. When you walk up stone steps for about 10 minutes, you will notice there is a 800-year-old towering cider tree in front of Yuki Shrine. It is said if you pray to the tree from all your heart, your wish will come true. After additional 30-minute walk, you will reach the main hall of Kuramadera Temple. In front of the main hall, you will find a star symbol on the ground. It is said if you stand in the center of the symbol and you might feel a powerful energy. Behind the main hall, there is a hiking trail that leads to the Kibune area. On the way there, you can take pictures of plenty of cider roots visible on the ground. In Kibune, you will visit Kifune Shrine which worships the deity of water. The approach lined with lanterns is really photogenic. The town of Kibune has a lot of restaurants and shops along with Kibune River. The summer is the best time to visit this place to retreat from the city's heat.
