Kurama-dera Temple

The station is easily accessible from Kyoto and it doesn't take too much time. Hiking through the woods up the hill is not too exhausting. Take your time. Takes around maybe 20 to 30 mins, depending on your pace. You have an amazing view from above. There are smaller spots at the path to stop by and pray. You can decide if you want to go further past the main building to reach for Kifune valley and go down there - which will be a great way back to Kyoto I can recommend.

Kurama-dera Temple – A Magical Night Experience in Kyoto If you are looking for something truly unique during your trip, Kurama-dera Temple at night is an absolute must. The atmosphere completely transforms after sunset — quiet, mystical, and filled with a calm spiritual energy that you can actually feel as you walk through the temple grounds. The soft lighting along the pathways creates a beautiful contrast with the dark forest, and the temple structures glow gently in the night. It feels like stepping into another world — peaceful, sacred, and deeply moving. Unlike daytime visits, the night view offers a sense of solitude and mystery that makes the experience incredibly special. For anyone visiting Kyoto, especially those who want to witness a different side of temple culture, Kurama-dera at night is unforgettable. Take your time, breathe in the mountain air, and enjoy a moment of pure spiritual connection.

Absolutely breathtaking place. I did the full hike backwards from Kifune which was a lot of work and tough for a city person like me but was definitely worth it. I arrived there at about 5pm so near closing time for the temple and there were almost no visitors, just peace and quiet in nature. 100% recommend if you visit Kifune

From Kifune Station - only transport is bus. Eki stamp is located before the ticket office. There's 2 point of entry to this shrine. There's multiple small shrines along the way. I happened to enter the West Gate. Which I almost died walking up the trail. It is rocky and steep walking up the shrine. The views are breathtaking - literally breath taking (pun intended). The hike is moderately. You have to pay a small fee - I think it was roughly 700 yen (cash only). Hiking sticks and a map are provided. Take plenty of water with you. I do not recommend doing this hike during summer. The heat will get to you. The shrine was beautiful. I stayed for a short while to take in the views and the reward of walking up the mountain. I wish I could have stayed longer but I was rushing to the cable car as it started to rain half way through my hike There are toilets available at some shrines along the way - western lavatory available (my knees were giving out so squatting would have led me in the toilet). The cable car is located on the opposite side at the other point of entry. Personally, I suggest hiking from the west gate first if you want to visit the whole area. When exiting to the Niomon Gate, Kurama Station is a 5 min walk away through the quiet streets. You'll find the Mount Kurama Daitengu sculpture at the front of the train station, along with the train sculpture. Kurama Station - located on the wall desk on the left hand side. Bring plenty of water. You can purchase water at vending machines but only at the main shrines. PLEASE bring your rubbish down with you or dispose of it in the correct bins provided (most vending machines for beverages have them attached). I would like to thank the worker collecting the offerings from each shrine. Maybe the Gods heard my prayers and had this person present at the moment because it was scary at one point knowing that I can hear a storm approaching while walking a trail and being alone. He waited for me and made sure I was in sight until we came across the Hall. I noticed a seating area while at the main shrine, where some people were waiting out the rain. Don't wear sandals HAHA if you do, make sure they can go in sportsmode.