Kyoto Hiking Tour: The Nature and Legends of Kurama and Kibune

5.0 (82 reviews) 8 hours Free cancellation Private tour

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82 reviews

5.0

A stunning mountain view in autumn at Kuramadera — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Kifune Shrine in autumn — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

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

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At a glance

Duration: 8 hours
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Your group only
People per booking: 1–8
Guide: English
Operated by: Trip Designer Inc.

Ages: Infants (0–5 years) · Children (6–12 years) · Adults (13–100 years)

What is included

Included

Included: All fees and taxes
Included: Hotel Pick-Up & Drop-off (from Kyoto urban area and Kurama area)
Included: Entrance fees: Kuramadera Temple
Included: English Speaking Guide
Included: Photos of Tour Participants

Not included

Not included: Lunch
Not included: Private transportation: Taxi / Private Car or Bus (Available for an extra fee)

Itinerary

Yuki Shrine

20 min Admission included

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.
Stop 2

one hour

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.
Kurama-dera

45 min Admission included

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.
Okunoin Maoden

10 min Admission included

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

30 min Admission included

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.
Kifune Shrine

25 min Admission included

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.