Sacred Peaks and Ancient Paths: The Kurama-Kibune Hiking Experience
English
6 hours and 30 minutes
(5)
A full-day hiking tour from Kyoto led by a local English-speaking guide, covering Kurama-dera Temple, a 4-kilometer mountain trail, and Kifune Shrine. All admissions and required transport including the Eizan Railway, are included in the tour price.
Meet your guide at the Starbucks on the first floor of the Kyoto Tower Sando building, beside the tower entrance. The group travels by Karasuma Subway Line to Kokusaikaikan Station, followed by a 15 to 20 minute walk to Iwakura Station on the Eizan Railway.
2
1074 Kuramahonmachi, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto
Duration: 1 hour
Arrive at Kurama Station and visit Kurama-dera Temple on the slopes of Mount Kurama. The main hall sits at an elevated position with mountain views. The grounds include guardian statues and a site beneath the temple where pilgrims leave locks of hair as offerings. Your guide will cover the temple's history, its significance within Japanese Buddhism, and its connection to the origins of Reiki.
3
Kuramahonmachi, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto
Duration: 2 hours
Begin the mountain hike from Kurama-dera through the cedar forest toward Kibune. The trail passes hidden shrines and steep stairways and covers approximately 4 kilometers. The path is steep and uneven in sections.
4
180 Kuramakibunechō, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto
Duration: 1 hour
Arrive at Kifune Shrine in the village of Kibune, dedicated to the goddess of water and rain. The shrine is known for its red lantern-lined stone stairway and water-activated omikuji fortune papers. Your guide will explain the shrine's history and rituals during the visit.
Higashishiokōji Kamadonochō, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto
Take a short bus ride from Kibune to Kibuneguchi Station and board the Eizan Railway back to Kyoto. The tour concludes at Kyoto Station at approximately 16:00.
Frequently Asked Questions
The trail covers approximately 4 kilometers and takes around 2 hours to complete. It includes steep and uneven sections requiring care in wet or hot conditions. A moderate level of fitness is required. The tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility. Sturdy walking or hiking shoes are essential.
Lunch is not included. Food and drink options on the mountain trail are limited. Guests are strongly advised to purchase water, snacks, and food before the tour departs from Kyoto Station.
Guests should bring sturdy walking or hiking shoes, layered clothing, a small backpack, water, snacks, and insect repellent. In summer, sun protection and a parasol are advised. In winter, warm and waterproof clothing is essential.
Children may join this tour if they are comfortable with a 4-kilometer mountain hike on steep and uneven terrain. Appropriate footwear and clothing should be prepared before booking.
If any part of the itinerary cannot proceed as scheduled due to weather, closures, or trail conditions, the tour operator will arrange a suitable alternative and inform guests as early as possible.
I highly recommend this “Sacred Peaks and Ancient Paths” trip. It ideally ended up being just me and the guide, Justin. Justin was fantastic: knowledgeable, helpful, and moreover, compassionate as I happened to be experiencing some challenging family stuff. He perfectly read my needs and allowed the tour to unfold in a way that was deeply meaningful. He gave me gentle direction and allowed me some space. What a beautiful area to visit. This tour allowed the perfect opportunity to learn more about the Shinto and Buddhist practices as well as to get to know to region. Would love to come back!
Jen K
April 20, 2026
Kurama to Kibune 👺
We enjoyed our day walking the trail with our guide Justin. He’s passionate and highly knowledgeable about Japan, the culture and tradition. We would definitely recommend this tour!
Vacationer93496
March 14, 2026
Jen K
April 20, 2026
Really special day trip!
I highly recommend this “Sacred Peaks and Ancient Paths” trip. It ideally ended up being just me and the guide, Justin. Justin was fantastic: knowledgeable, helpful, and moreover, compassionate as I happened to be experiencing some challenging family stuff. He perfectly read my needs and allowed the tour to unfold in a way that was deeply meaningful. He gave me gentle direction and allowed me some space. What a beautiful area to visit. This tour allowed the perfect opportunity to learn more about the Shinto and Buddhist practices as well as to get to know to region. Would love to come back!
Vacationer93496
March 14, 2026
Kurama to Kibune 👺
We enjoyed our day walking the trail with our guide Justin. He’s passionate and highly knowledgeable about Japan, the culture and tradition. We would definitely recommend this tour!
