What other travelers are saying about Kurama-dera Temple
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.
Completed the Kurama-Kurobe hike which starts from Kurama Station and through the trail to Kurobe. Total of 3.0km (as per my Garmin smartwatch) mostly cobblestone, or concrete steps and some gravel paths. Track is well sign posted and beautiful. Took around 2.5h slowly walking and enjoying the stunning red Japanese maple trees, listening to bird sounds and stopping by the Natural history museum. I think suitable for young and old as long as you have no mobility restrictions, or if you are willing to go slowly. After all, it is a pilgrimage!
Amazing. We went to kifune for shrines and river views, then hiked back to kuruma station stopping at many shrines and temples along the way. It was spectacular. This is a must-do day trip from the center of Kyoto, particularly in mid November when the hiking weather was perfect, the scenic train ride with the maple leaves was breathtaking, and the riverside at kifune is not as busy.
We took the tram car back for fun, but walking probably would have taken the same amount of time. Can't go wrong either way.
There's 2 point of entry to this shrine. There are multiple tiny shrines along the way. I happened to enter the West Gate. Which I almost dead walking up the trail. It is rocky and steep walking up the shrine. The views are breathtaking - literally breathtaking while hiking. It is a easy hike up. You 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 was raining half way through my walk. There are toilets available at some shrines along the way.
There is a cable car at the other point of entry but I would suggest walking from the west gate first if you want to visit the whole area. This will also be a train ride back instead of waiting for the bus in Kifune. 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.
I was told it took a day to walk to, it’s not true, actually took less than 1h at a slow pace. There are lots of small shrines on the way to the main temple. Very peaceful, not many tourists. Definitely recommend, the trek is really peaceful. Goshuin 500¥
Visitors can explore the Main Hall worshiping Sonten, a trinity deity, experience the spiritual power at the Kongoshō Six-Pointed Star, and visit the Maō-den Inner Sanctuary dedicated to a deity believed to have descended from Venus. The temple also offers a scenic cable car ride and a hiking trail connecting to Kibune Village.
Kurama-dera is accessible from central Kyoto by the Eizan Railway. It is a scenic 30-minute ride from Demachi-Yanagi Station to Kurama Station, and the temple is just a short walk away.
Hiking from Kurama to Kibune is highly recommended. It offers an enchanting experience through the forest with stunning natural and artificial beauty. The journey is as captivating as the destination itself, with giant Japanese cedar trees and small shrines along the way.
Kurama-dera is a year-round destination, and each season offers a unique atmosphere. Spring and autumn are trendy for the cherry blossoms and the colorful foliage, respectively. Winter brings a serene beauty to the temple, especially if you're lucky enough to visit it covered in snow, offering a tranquil and picturesque setting.
Yes, Kurama-dera provides basic amenities for visitors, including parking in the vicinity. The temple is also equipped with a cable car for those who prefer not to hike, offering a convenient and scenic option to reach the main temple buildings.
