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Activity Kyoto, Japan

Kyoto Private Hiking Tour: Ancient Trails of Kurama and Kibune

5.0 (one review) 5 hours Free cancellation Private tour
Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Kyoto Private Hiking Tour: Ancient Trails of Kurama and Kibune

About this activity

Escape the crowds and discover Kyoto's wild side on a fully private hiking tour through ancient cedar forests, from the mountain temple of Kurama to the riverside village of Kibune.

Your guide is a foreigner who has lived in Kyoto for nearly 10 years, bringing a unique outside perspective that international travelers find refreshing and relatable.

This centuries-old trail winds through cedar forests and temple grounds — a side of Kyoto that most visitors never see. The pace is entirely flexible and tailored to your group. Families with children are warmly welcome.

  • Hike a centuries-old forest trail walked by monks and travelers
  • Visit Kurama-dera Temple, a spiritual mountainside retreat
  • Pass through towering cedar forests and peaceful temple grounds
  • Arrive in Kibune, a charming riverside village with traditional atmosphere
  • Fully private — your group only, never shared with strangers
  • Entrance fees to temples and shrines included
Day Trips Hiking Tours Nature and Wildlife Tours Half-day Tours Private and Luxury Private Sightseeing Tours Cultural Tours Historical Tours

At a glance

Duration
5 hours
Confirmation
Instant confirmation
Ticket
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group
Your group only
People per booking
1–15
Guide
English
Operated by
Japan Cultural Trails

What is included

Included

  • Included: Admission fees: Admission fee

Not included

  • Not included: Public transportation (bus, subway, cable car, etc.): Public transportation

Itinerary

  1. Kurama-dera

    one hour Admission included

    Visit Kurama-dera Temple, a serene mountainside temple surrounded by ancient cedar forest. Your guide will share the history and spiritual significance of this sacred site before beginning the forest trail.

  2. Mt. Kurama

    one hour

    Hike through the ancient cedar forests of Mt. Kurama on a centuries-old trail once walked by monks and travelers. The peaceful mountain path winds through towering trees, offering fresh air, natural beauty, and occasional views over the valley.

  3. Kibune Shrine

    one hour

    Visit Kibune-jinja Shrine, a tranquil Shinto shrine dedicated to the god of water. Set along the riverside with stone lanterns lining the approach, it is one of Kyoto's most atmospheric and lesser-known sacred sites.

  4. Kibune River

    one hour

    Arrive in Kibune, a charming riverside village nestled in the mountains. Known for its traditional architecture and peaceful atmosphere, Kibune is the perfect end point to the hike — a quiet escape far from the busy city.

Meeting point and pickup

You can be picked up from your accommodation or go straight to the meeting point.

Meeting point

  • In front of the ticket gates at Demachiyanagi Station (Eizan Railway), Kyoto

End point

  • In front of the ticket gates at Demachiyanagi Station (Eizan Railway), Kyoto

Pickup points

  • Hanazono Kaikan
  • KIORI Exec Muromachi
  • KIORI Exec Gojo
  • Ishicho
  • Premium Apart MONday Kyoto Gojo
  • insomnia KYOTO OIKE
  • Hotel Grand Bach Kyoto Oike Select
  • Dusit Thani Kyoto
  • Hotel Jardin de Fleurs - Adult Only
  • hotel Monday Kyoto Marutamachi
  • Oriental Hotel Kyoto Gallery
  • Ando

and 555 more pickup points

Please let us know your hotel in advance. We will meet you in the hotel lobby at the tour start time.

After your booking is confirmed, your assigned guide will send you their details (such as appearance and clothing).

Cancellation

Free cancellation

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

If you cancel You get back
At least one day before 100%
Less than a day before 0%
  • The operator may cancel if the weather does not allow it; you then get another date or your money back.

Good to know

  • Public transportation options are available nearby

  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers

  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Traveller ratings

5.0 out of 5 · one review
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Kyoto Private Hiking Tour: Ancient Trails of Kurama and Kibune

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