• Kurama-dera - The adventure begins at Kyoto Station at 9:30 A.M., where the Karasuma Subway Line takes travelers to Kokusaikaikan Station. From there, a pleasant 15-20 minute walk through a serene residential area leads to Iwakura Station on the Eizan Railway. Passengers then enjoy a scenic ride on the Eizan Railway through the tranquil northern Kyoto countryside. After approximately 30 minutes, they arrive at Kurama Station, the entrance to the sacred mountain.

The hike starts at Kurama-dera, a historic temple situated on the slopes of Mount Kurama. Kurama-dera boasts an impressive main hall with panoramic views and intriguing guardian statues. Beneath the temple lies a powerful spiritual site where pilgrims leave locks of hair as offerings, seeking divine protection and blessings. The temple and mountain are also significant for Reiki practitioners.

• Kibune River - From this point, the journey continues with a scenic mountain hike through dense cedar forests, hidden shrines, and steep stairways. The trail can be steep and uneven in places, making navigation challenging—especially in wet or hot weather—but the guide ensures a safe and steady pace while sharing the stories and legends of this mystical path.

Descending into the tranquil village of Kibune, visitors reach the esteemed Kifune Shrine, dedicated to the goddess of water and rain. This atmospheric shrine is renowned 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 visiting the shrine, a short bus ride takes travelers down to Kibuneguchi Station, where they board the Eizan Railway back to Kyoto.

• Transportation during the tour
• English speaking guide
• Entry fees at all tour locations

• Lunch

Leave behind the busy streets of Kyoto and delve into the serene beauty of Kurama-dera Temple and Kifune-jinja Shrine. Nestled in the forested mountains to the north of Kyoto, the picturesque path linking the villages of Kurama (鞍馬) and Kibune (木船) presents a stunning combination of history, nature, and spirituality. During this guided hike, participants will explore sacred temple grounds, discover revered shrines and natural sites believed to possess spiritual energy, and traverse a challenging yet fulfilling mountain trail that has attracted monks, warriors, and mystics for centuries.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.