Kyoto Hiking Tour: The Nature and Legends of Kurama and Kibune
Overview
Available languages
8 hours
Mobile ticket
Step into the spiritual side of Kyoto with a guided hike through Mount Kurama a peaceful retreat where tradition and nature meet. Birthplace of reiki (a healing technique) and home to the mythical tengu, this mountain holds a magical charm that feels worlds away from the city.
Walk through serene forest paths, discover hidden temples, and soak in the calm energy of the surroundings as you make your way to the quiet mountain village of Kibune, full of scenic beauty along the way.
・Leisurely hike from Kurama to Kibune through beautiful cedar forests
・Visit sacred temples and learn about reiki and local folklore
・Experience the peaceful charm of Kyoto’s mountain countryside
Additional Info
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
What To Expect
Yuki Shrine
Yuki Shrine was actually built in central Kyoto, but in 940 AD was moved to Kurama to protect the area from mysterious evil. One of the highlights of this mountainous shrine is an 800-year-old cedar tree which towers over the shrine at 53m tall.
The mountain is known as the birthplace of the holistic healing art called Reiki. In the early 1900s, the founder of Reiki, Mikao Usui, meditated for 21 days on this mountain and received the Reiki healing energy. Mikao Usui meditated near the top of the mountain at a site called Osugi Gongen, at the site of a great sacred tree said to be an incarnation of the god Maoson. Once you reached the mountain, you can sense positive chi surrounding you. As you stepped in the front door of the temple, you feel so comfortable spiritually and energetic physically. Somehow, you can link your spirit with the mountain, to soil beneath and the sky above you. It’s an excellent meditation experience just by walking around the mountain, maze of focus roots and the trees.
Options
Kyoto Hiking Tour: The Nature and Legends of Kurama and Kibune
Pickup included
What‘s Included
All fees and taxes
Hotel Pick-Up & Drop-off (from Kyoto urban area and Kurama area)
Kuramadera Temple
English Speaking Guide
Photos of Tour Participants
Lunch
Taxi / Private Car or Bus (Available for an extra fee)
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
82 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great experience!
jbehr,May 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great hike with Yoshi. He was delightful and a terrific ambassador for his country.
Grateful. Highly Recommend.
ericcT5867CJ,Apr 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Etsuko Nakaba-san was a wonderful guide and support for my hike to this sacred place. She helped me to organize the trip itself, and I enjoyed spending time together, as she shared her insight, and deepened my experience. Am grateful. Highly recommend. Best to All
Amazing tour out of the hustle and bustle
378reidk,Apr 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What an amazing day. Miki was knowledgeable and passionate and the location was incredible. Highly recommend.
Family hike
314erniea,Apr 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Outstanding tour. Our guide was fantastic. We enjoyed every step of the way. Personable and professionall
Hiking tour of Kurama and Kibune
Justin C,Mar 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This hiking tour was exceptional! It was beautiful and there is such a power energy on Mount Kurama! Our tour guide Etskumo was great! She was the sweetest lady ever! Easy to talk to and was taking care of our every need. She was knowledgeable and actually a pleasure to be around for our 8 hour tour. She had great patience other my three teenagers! We loved seeing the Shrine and Temple on such a magnificent mountain. It was a wonderful trip!
Great day trip to Kurama
M9090JYmonical,Feb 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We took my mom on this tour for her birthday and had a great time! Etsuko was great! She was so attentive and knowledgeable about the area making sure that we had an enjoyable experience. She picked up us up at our hotel and took the train with us to ensure we got there smoothly. In Kurama we visited the beautiful temple and mountain area then hiked back the other side of the mountain to have lunch in Kibune. Etsuko translated for us and helped find options that met our dietary needs as well. We would absolutely recommend this tour and her to other visitors. Thank you!
An awesome hiking day.
Lisa H,Feb 6, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Very friendly guide. Knowledgeable about the area we hiked. Picked us up at our hotel directly . It was a very smooth experience.
Amazing experience!
827carolinei,Jan 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was a different and incredible adventure. Climbing Mount Kurama, a sacred place, brought a lot of reflection and learning. It is not an easy place to reach, so I completely recommend Omakase Tour, a trustworthy company that took care of every detail. Thanks to our guide Yoshi, my mother and I were able to make the most of it. Yoshi was completely attentive, caring, and made our experience smooth and high-quality. For those looking for a different tour and a spiritual journey, I highly recommend this experience.
Kyoto Kurama to Kibune
davidsB6900KE,Dec 19, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Just outside Kyoto lies Kurama, a charming little town that feels worlds away from the city’s bustle. It’s the starting point for one of the most delightful walks Dachshundtours.com.au arranged in Japan — an easy 5‑kilometer trail that winds through forested hills, shaded paths, and temple grounds, offering a perfect blend of nature and culture. The adventure begins with the ride itself: the “dinky” Eizan train that rattles its way from Kyoto to Kurama. It’s a short journey, but the scenery — villages, valleys, and glimpses of cedar forests — sets the tone for what’s to come. Arriving in Kurama, you’ll find a sleepy town with hot spring inns and a relaxed vibe, the ideal launchpad for your walk. The trail leads up past Kurama-dera Temple, perched on the hillside, before continuing through tranquil forests. Towering cedar trees line the path, their shade keeping the walk cool even in summer. The air feels fresh, filled with birdsong and the earthy scent of moss. It’s not a strenuous hike, more of a gentle wander, and along the way you’ll encounter shrines, stone steps, and occasional viewpoints that remind you just how close you are to Kyoto yet how far you feel from its urban pace. The walk finishes in Kibune, another picturesque village known for riverside dining and traditional inns. From here, you can hop back on the little train, completing the circle of your adventure. Easy, beautiful, and accessible, the Kurama to Kibune walk is proof that sometimes the best experiences are found just beyond the city limits.
Mount Kuruma with Akari
spudbiker,Dec 7, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Akari was fabulous, adding to an overall great experience. The shrines, temples, and views were amazing. Highly recommend this trip. Akari was wonderful and added so much to our experience. Very knowledgeable, super friendly, engaged the whole time. We felt like we became friends.
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