Kyoto Hiking Tour: The Nature and Legends of Kurama and Kibune
Description
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
Tour Options
Itinerary
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.
After exploring Yuki Shrine, you will meander though the forest on a pleasant 25 minute walk to the most famous shrine of the area – Kuramadera. Founded in the 8th century, Kuramadera is dedicated to the worship of mountains and nature, and has an incredible view over the surrounding mountain ranges, especially in Autumn. See how many long-nosed tengu (guardians of the mountain) you can spot.
Nestled deep in the mountains is the Okunoin Maoden Temple. It is said to be where demons reign and has a very mysterious feeling about it.
Kifune Shrine is considered a place for sailors to go to pray for luck on their voyages and is dedicated to the God of water and rain. There are places where you can drink the pure mountain water fresh from the source, and many little streams dotted around the shrine. If you come in summer, expect to be charmed by the wildflowers, but it is no less stunning shrouded in autumn colours, or pure white snow. Be sure to try the mizuura mikuji (water fortune telling paper) which your guide can translate for you.
According to legend, a goddess traveled in a boat from Osaka all the way up the river into these mountains. This inner shrine of Kifune houses the boat it is said that she rode in.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
The guide will meet you in the lobby of your hotel in Kyoto city.
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- 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
Reviews(82)
Great hike with Yoshi. He was delightful and a terrific ambassador for his country.
Dear valued guest, Thank you for discovering another side of Kyoto with us! We hope that you found the mountainous area of Kyoto to be peaceful and beautiful just like we do, and we are glad that Yoshi could help you discover it. We truly appreciate your feedback, and we hope to welcome you back to Japan again in the future! Best regards, Kyoko
Etsuko 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
Dear Eric, Thank you very much for your kind review! We’re delighted to hear that Etsuko made your hike meaningful and supportive, and that her insights helped deepen your experience of this sacred place. We truly appreciate your feedback, and we hope to welcome you back to Japan again in the future! Best regards, Kyoko
What an amazing day. Miki was knowledgeable and passionate and the location was incredible. Highly recommend.
Dear valued guest, Thank you very much for joining our Kurama and Kibune Hiking Tour! We’re so glad to hear that you enjoyed the beautiful setting and that Miki’s knowledge and passion made the day so special. We truly appreciate your recommendation and hope to welcome you again on another visit to Kyoto! Best regards, Kyoko
Outstanding tour. Our guide was fantastic. We enjoyed every step of the way. Personable and professionall
Dear valued guest, Thank you very much for joining our Kurama and Kibune Hiking Tour and for sharing your kind review! We’re delighted to hear that you and your family enjoyed the walk and that your guide made the experience both personable and professional. We truly appreciate your feedback and hope to welcome you again on a future visit! Best regards, Kyoko
This 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!
Dear Justin, Thank you very much for joining our Kurama and Kibune Hiking Tour and for sharing your wonderful review! It’s lovely to hear that Etsuko’s kindness, knowledge, and attentive care made your full‑day hike so enjoyable. We’re so glad the experience meant so much to you, and we hope your next adventure in Japan is just as special! Best regards, Kyoko
We 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!
Dear Monica, Thank you for choosing our Kurama tour to celebrate such a special occasion! We're thrilled to hear you had a great time with Etsuko and that she helped make the day smooth and memorable. We truly appreciate your kind words and high rating, and hope to welcome you back for more adventures in the future! Best regards, Kyoko
Very friendly guide. Knowledgeable about the area we hiked. Picked us up at our hotel directly . It was a very smooth experience.
Dear Lisa, Thank you very much for your wonderful review! We’re so pleased to hear that you had an enjoyable hiking day. Our guide will be delighted to know that his friendliness and local knowledge helped make your experience smooth and memorable. We hope to welcome you again! Best regards, Kyoko
It 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.
Dear Caroline, Thank you so much for sharing your experience! We’re truly honored that you and your mother chose to explore the sacred Mount Kurama with us. It’s wonderful to hear that Yoshi’s attentive and caring guidance helped make the experience smooth and meaningful. Your recommendation means a lot to us, and we hope to welcome you again for another unforgettable adventure! Best regards, Kyoko
Just 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.
Dear David, Thank you for your kind words! We're so glad you enjoyed the Kurama to Kibune walk—it's truly a hidden gem just outside the city. We look forward to welcoming you again! Best regards, Kyoko
Akari 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.
Dear valued guest, Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re delighted you enjoyed exploring Kurama and Kibune with Akari, and that the shrines, temples, and nature made your experience special. Thank you for recommending the tour and we truly hope to welcome you again! Best regards, Kyoko
