Kurama-dera Temple

Kurama-dera Temple – A Magical Night Experience in Kyoto If you are looking for something truly unique during your trip, Kurama-dera Temple at night is an absolute must. The atmosphere completely transforms after sunset — quiet, mystical, and filled with a calm spiritual energy that you can actually feel as you walk through the temple grounds. The soft lighting along the pathways creates a beautiful contrast with the dark forest, and the temple structures glow gently in the night. It feels like stepping into another world — peaceful, sacred, and deeply moving. Unlike daytime visits, the night view offers a sense of solitude and mystery that makes the experience incredibly special. For anyone visiting Kyoto, especially those who want to witness a different side of temple culture, Kurama-dera at night is unforgettable. Take your time, breathe in the mountain air, and enjoy a moment of pure spiritual connection.

The temple was 2 train rides and bus ride for us from where our hotel was in Shijo street in Kyoto. For me and my partner this was a pilgrimage and we walked an hour and half up the hill and it felt very spiritual. There are small temples along the way to the main temple at the top. There is also funicular that takes you 3/4th of the way which we used to come back down. Make sure to visit early hours of the day as can be busy later. We miss this place a lot and will definitely return again one day to experience a lot more.I would say its a must visit if your visiting Kyoto.

Completed the Kurama-Kurobe hike which starts from Kurama Station and through the trail to Kurobe. Total of 3.0km (as per my Garmin smartwatch) mostly cobblestone, or concrete steps and some gravel paths. Track is well sign posted and beautiful. Took around 2.5h slowly walking and enjoying the stunning red Japanese maple trees, listening to bird sounds and stopping by the Natural history museum. I think suitable for young and old as long as you have no mobility restrictions, or if you are willing to go slowly. After all, it is a pilgrimage!

From Kifune Station - only transport is bus. Eki stamp is located before the ticket office. There's 2 point of entry to this shrine. There's multiple small shrines along the way. I happened to enter the West Gate. Which I almost died walking up the trail. It is rocky and steep walking up the shrine. The views are breathtaking - literally breath taking (pun intended). The hike is moderately. You have to pay a small fee - I think it was roughly 700 yen (cash only). Hiking sticks and a map are provided. Take plenty of water with you. I do not recommend doing this hike during summer. The heat will get to you. The shrine was beautiful. I stayed for a short while to take in the views and the reward of walking up the mountain. I wish I could have stayed longer but I was rushing to the cable car as it started to rain half way through my hike There are toilets available at some shrines along the way - western lavatory available (my knees were giving out so squatting would have led me in the toilet). The cable car is located on the opposite side at the other point of entry. Personally, I suggest hiking from the west gate first if you want to visit the whole area. When exiting to the Niomon Gate, Kurama Station is a 5 min walk away through the quiet streets. You'll find the Mount Kurama Daitengu sculpture at the front of the train station, along with the train sculpture. Kurama Station - located on the wall desk on the left hand side. Bring plenty of water. You can purchase water at vending machines but only at the main shrines. PLEASE bring your rubbish down with you or dispose of it in the correct bins provided (most vending machines for beverages have them attached). I would like to thank the worker collecting the offerings from each shrine. Maybe the Gods heard my prayers and had this person present at the moment because it was scary at one point knowing that I can hear a storm approaching while walking a trail and being alone. He waited for me and made sure I was in sight until we came across the Hall. I noticed a seating area while at the main shrine, where some people were waiting out the rain. Don't wear sandals HAHA if you do, make sure they can go in sportsmode.

Amazing. We went to kifune for shrines and river views, then hiked back to kuruma station stopping at many shrines and temples along the way. It was spectacular. This is a must-do day trip from the center of Kyoto, particularly in mid November when the hiking weather was perfect, the scenic train ride with the maple leaves was breathtaking, and the riverside at kifune is not as busy. We took the tram car back for fun, but walking probably would have taken the same amount of time. Can't go wrong either way.