Kurama-Dera Temple

Unclaimed

A wonderful place that just feels alive and is filled with natural beauty as well as spiritual intensity. The scents of the forest and inspiring shrines and temples welcome visitors who take the time to explore this legendary area. One should definitely wear proper shoes however.

Please do the trekking trail! I know it’s long and very challenging with ups and downs but it’s so worth it! We’ve seen a very close up deer on the way and the atmosphere, nature, everything were so nice! We started our trek from the kinefu side which we believe it’s a better idea than starting from kurama temple and down. Love this place so much! Highlight of the trip???✨

This is a very beautiful temple in Kyoto that anyone shouldn’t miss! Kurama Temple is located in the north of Kyoto. It’s quite far but easily to come. From Kyoto Station, catch the JR train (Nara Line) to Tofukuji station and change a train to Keihan Main Line to Demachi-Yanagi station. The temple is spacious and surrounded by nature that I’m so impressed. I didn't get to explore the whole area because of time constraints, but this temple was one of my favorite places on my Kyoto trip.

What a gem! Went there in the morning during the busy Sakura season and it was almost empty. Very quiet and serene. Took the ropeway walked to the top and then went through root path to Kibune. It was a great 1/2 day trip including visiting both temple and shrine and lunch in Kibune.

Kurama-dera Temple is a peaceful gem in the mountains just north of Kyoto. What like about it is that it has lesser tourists here compared to other famous temples. The hike up is scenic, passing through towering cedar trees and offering fresh mountain air-well worth the effort, though there’s also a cable car if you prefer that will cost you 200¥ per person for one way trip. Our hike took us slightly more than an hour to reach the main temple area. Along the way, we even spotted few deers along hiking path. It was worth it! We then took the cable car down and the view was beautiful although the trip down was just about 2 minutes long. The temple itself is spacious, rarely crowded, and features stunning views over the valley. If you love nature, history, or just want a break from the city crowds, Kurama-dera is a fantastic and memorable spot to visit.