Hike and explore the Kurama and Kibune ancient Paths
Overview
Available languages
5 hours 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
Escape the bustling streets of Kyoto and immerse yourself in the tranquil beauty of Kurama-dera Temple and Kifune-jinja Shrine. Tucked away in the forested mountains north of Kyoto, the scenic trail connecting the villages of Kurama (鞍馬) and Kibune (木船) offers a breathtaking blend of history, nature, and spirituality. On this guided hike, you'll journey through sacred temple grounds, uncover sacred shrines and natural sites that are believed to hold spiritual energy, and navigate a rugged yet rewarding mountain trail that has drawn monks, warriors, and mystics for centuries.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Kurama-dera
Our journey begins at Kyoto Station at 9:30 A.M., where we take the Karasuma Subway Line to Kokusaikaikan Station. From there, we enjoy a short 15-20 minute walk through a quiet residential area to Iwakura Station on the Eizan Railway. We board the scenic Eizan Railway and enjoy a peaceful ride through the northern Kyoto countryside. After about 30 minutes, we arrive at Kurama Station, the gateway to the sacred mountain. We start our hike at Kurama-dera, a historic temple perched on the slopes of Mount Kurama. Kurama-dera is home to an awe-inspiring main hall with panoramic views and mysterious guardian statues. Beneath the temple, you’ll find a powerful spiritual site where pilgrims leave locks of hair as offerings, seeking divine protection and blessings. The temple and mountain also hold a special place for Reiki practitioners.
From here, we embark on a scenic mountain hike, traversing dense cedar forests, hidden shrines, and steep stairways. The trail is steep and uneven in parts, making navigation tricky—especially in wet or hot weather—but your guide ensures a safe and steady pace while sharing the stories and legends of this mystical route. Descending into the peaceful village of Kibune, we arrive at the revered Kifune Shrine, dedicated to the goddess of water and rain. This atmospheric shrine is known for its iconic red lantern-lined staircase, a picturesque spot that captures the beauty of every season. Here, visitors can write wishes on special water-activated omikuji (fortune papers) and watch their fortunes appear magically on the surface of the sacred spring water. After our shrine visit, we take a short bus ride down to Kibuneguchi Station, where we board the Eizan Railway back to Kyoto.
What‘s Included
Transportation during the tour
English speaking guide
Entry fees at all tour locations
Lunch
Options
Hike and explore the Kurama and Kibune ancient Paths
Reviews
6 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Hike on Kurama mountain!
annapC2426FQ,Apr 30, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My hike on mount Kurama was beyond my expectations!! My tour guide, Justin from Snow Monkey Resorts Kyoto, was brilliant! He was friendly, helpful, kind and I felt safe to go with him on this unique adventure! I totally recommend this hike!!
Really special day trip!
Jen K,Apr 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I 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!
Kurama to Kibune 👺
Vacationer93496,Mar 14, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We 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!
Beautiful, peaceful mountain hike
102meln,Dec 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I had an amazing time on the Kurama–Kibune hiking experience with Justin. The hike itself was absolutely beautiful, with peaceful forest trails, mountain views, and a great balance of nature and culture. Justin was a fantastic guide — He explained the history and significance of the area in a way that was really engaging, and he made sure the pace was comfortable throughout the hike. I’d highly recommend this experience to anyone looking for a scenic and memorable mountain hike near Kyoto.
Excellent experience
isadorar948,Dec 4, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Excellent experience, the guide was very friendly. The views of the place were really beautiful and the temple felt magical. It's not a strenuous hike, so I recommend it for most people.
A serene view of Kyoto's history without the crowds!
927adriennef,Oct 20, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This hike through Kurama and Kibune was one of the highlights of my trip. Justin, as a guide was friendly, generous with his knowledge, and shared insights into hidden spots beyond the usual tourist path — but you’ll have to join the tour yourself to discover what they are - I am not giving them away! The area offered a chance to explore a Buddhist landscape in a way that felt peaceful and immersive, without the crowds and noise of more frequented sites. The trail itself was both grounding and invigorating, surrounded by forest, mountain air, and a sense of quiet reverence Fun fact: I’ve studied Usui Reiki, and this mountain is where Mikao Usui is said to have received his teachings — standing there carried a special kind of serendipitous energy and meaning Highly recommend this tour if you want a mindful, enriching way to experience Kyoto’s spiritual roots
From ¥25,400
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Operated by Snow Monkey Resorts Tours (Machinovate Japan Ltd.)