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Kyoto Spiritual Hike: Discover Mount Kurama
5.0
80 Ratings
Kyoto
Discover Kyoto’s Mt. Kurama: hike through cedar forests, explore magical temples, and unwind in onsens. Perfect for nature lovers and history enthusiasts.
Discover Kyoto’s Mt. Kurama: hike through cedar forests, explore magical temples, and unwind in onsens. Perfect for nature lovers and history enthusiasts.
Duration:
8 hours
Cancellation:
24 hours
Highlights
- Yuki Shrine - Originally constructed in central Kyoto, Yuki Shrine was relocated to Kurama in 940 AD to shield the area from mysterious malevolence. A notable feature of this mountainous shrine is an 800-year-old cedar tree that stands 53 meters tall.
- Mount Kurama - Renowned as the birthplace of Reiki, a holistic healing art, Mount Kurama is…
- Yuki Shrine - Originally constructed in central Kyoto, Yuki Shrine was relocated to Kurama in 940 AD to shield the area from mysterious malevolence. A notable feature of this mountainous shrine is an 800-year-old cedar tree that stands 53 meters tall.
- Mount Kurama - Renowned as the birthplace of Reiki, a holistic healing art, Mount Kurama is where Mikao Usui, the founder of Reiki, meditated for 21 days in the early 1900s and received the Reiki healing energy. Usui meditated near the mountain’s summit at Osugi Gongen, a site marked by a sacred tree believed to be an incarnation of the god Maoson. Upon reaching the mountain, you can feel a positive energy enveloping you. Entering the temple, you experience a profound spiritual comfort and physical vitality. The mountain, soil, and sky seem to connect with your spirit, offering an exceptional meditation experience as you wander through the mountain’s intricate root systems and trees.
- Kurama-dera - After visiting Yuki Shrine, enjoy a scenic 25-minute walk through the forest to Kuramadera, the area’s most renowned shrine. Established in the 8th century, Kuramadera is dedicated to the reverence of mountains and nature, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountain ranges, particularly in autumn. See how many long-nosed tengu, the mountain’s guardians, you can spot.
- Okunoin Maoden - Deep within the mountains lies Okunoin Maoden Temple, a place shrouded in mystery and said to be the domain of demons.
- Kifune Shrine - Dedicated to the God of water and rain, Kifune Shrine is a destination for sailors seeking good fortune on their voyages. The shrine features pure mountain water sources and numerous small streams. Summer visitors can enjoy the wildflowers, while autumn and winter bring their own unique beauty with vibrant foliage and snow. Don’t miss the mizuura mikuji (water fortune-telling paper), which your guide can help translate.
- Kifune Shrine - Legend has it that a goddess traveled by boat from Osaka up the river to these mountains. The inner shrine of Kifune houses the boat she is said to have used.
What's Included
- All fees and taxes
- Hotel Pick-Up & Drop-off (from Kyoto urban area and Kurama area)
- Entrance fees
- English Speaking Guide
- Photos of Tour Participants
- All fees and taxes
- Hotel Pick-Up & Drop-off (from Kyoto urban area and Kurama area)
- Entrance fees
- English Speaking Guide
- Photos of Tour Participants
What's Not Included
- Lunch
- Private transportation
- Lunch
- Private transportation
Additional Information
Explore the spiritual essence of Kyoto with a guided trek through Mount Kurama, a tranquil haven where tradition and nature converge. Known as the birthplace of reiki, a healing practice, and home to the legendary tengu, this mountain exudes a mystical allure that feels far removed from urban life.
Stroll along tranquil forest trails, uncover hidden…
Explore the spiritual essence of Kyoto with a guided trek through Mount Kurama, a tranquil haven where tradition and nature converge. Known as the birthplace of reiki, a healing practice, and home to the legendary tengu, this mountain exudes a mystical allure that feels far removed from urban life.
Stroll along tranquil forest trails, uncover hidden temples, and absorb the serene energy of the environment as you journey to the quiet mountain village of Kibune, surrounded by picturesque landscapes.
・Enjoy a leisurely hike from Kurama to Kibune through stunning cedar forests
・Visit sacred temples and learn about reiki and local folklore
・Experience the tranquil charm of Kyoto’s mountain countryside
Location
Yuki Shrine
1073 Kuramahonmachi, Sakyo-Ku,
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
5.0
(80 Ratings)
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378reidk
Apr 20, 2026
Amazing tour out of the hustle and bustle - What an amazing day. Miki was knowledgeable and passionate and the location was incredible. Highly recommend.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
314erniea
Apr 4, 2026
Family hike - Outstanding tour. Our guide was fantastic. We enjoyed every step of the way. Personable and professionall
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Justin
Mar 21, 2026
Hiking tour of Kurama and Kibune - 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!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
M9090jymonical
Feb 22, 2026
Great day trip to Kurama - 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!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Lisa_h
Feb 6, 2026
An awesome hiking day. - Very friendly guide. Knowledgeable about the area we hiked. Picked us up at our hotel directly . It was a very smooth experience.
Review provided by Viator
827carolinei
Jan 8, 2026
Amazing experience! - 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.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Davidsb6900ke
Dec 19, 2025
Kyoto Kurama to Kibune - 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.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Spudbiker
Dec 7, 2025
Mount Kuruma with Akari - 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.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kimkr2313tn
Nov 1, 2025
Great, relatively easy hike outside Kyoto - Highlight of our trip to Kyoto! We highly recommend it. Akari was a fantastic guide—warm, friendly, very knowledgeable. We felt in excellent hands. The hike was truly beautiful and got us to a place we never would have ventured on our own. And the lunch we had was my favorite so far. Locally made tofu cooked at the table with several tasty accompaniments beautifully appointed.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Gracies531
Oct 25, 2025
100/10 sweetest tour guide ever!! - i have never written a review before and probably never will again, however she was the purest soul i’ve ever met. i could not begin to express how much i enjoyed spending time with her, she was the kindest lady i’ve every met and had a genuine heart, always trying to do her best and go the extra mile for you - helping me with my japanese and being so patient. Not only would i recommend her tour which was amazing, giving so much insight to the country’s culture and history but you get to spend time with such a lovely person, i couldn’t have had a better time.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
