Elevation: 584m

Kurama to Kibune

鞍馬

Prefecture

Kyoto

Distance

4.5 km

Elevation Change

➚ 260m ➘ 290m

Time

2 hours

Difficulty

1/5

Accommodation

Guesthouses

Overview

Kurama is a mountain town just north of Kyoto city and is easily accessible by train, it shares its popularity with the neighbouring town of Kibune with an enjoyable hike connecting the two towns. Although it often escapes the usual tourist radar, Kurama is famous among locals and expats for its onsen, mountain temples, and the Kurama Fire Festival. The town of Kibune is famous for its beautiful streets lined with shops and restaurants, with dining terraces setup on the river during the summer. The hike is one of the best winter hikes in Kyoto, it's quite easy and looks amazing in the snow, the path features numerous lanterns with the Kurama-dera temple at the top. It's also worth mentioning that many travellers consider the Kurama Fire Festival to be the best festival in Japan, I've included some photos below, and you can read more about it here.

Access

Train

The train to Kurama station (and Kibune Station) departs from Demachiyanagi Station which is easily accessed anywhere in the city via train or bus. In most cases you can easily reach Kurama from Kyoto within 1 hour

Google maps

Demachiyanagi Station

Kurama Station

Trailhead

Maps

View GPS map

Trail Description

The trailhead begins from the base of the Kurama-dera temple just a 2 minute walk from the station, entry is ¥300. You will ascend the paved trail up the mountain and quickly reach the top, it will only take about 30 mins. After another 30 mins you'll reach Kibune, turn right and you'll find the beautiful shops and the Kibune shrine. From here you have the option of catching a bus to Kibune station if you don't want to spend 20 minutes walking on the road.

Elevation Profile

Weather and Seasons

Kurama can be hiked year round and is beautiful in every season. Summer is lush and green, and perfect for lunch on the river. It's also amazing during winter with fresh snow, which falls from December to February.