Kyoto and Kurama and Kibune

Today after another substantial breakfast at the hotel we were heading into the mountains north of Kyoto to visit the villages of  Kurama and Kibune and enjoy a walk between the two on a mountain trail. A great opportunity to get away from the bustling city.

We got a metro to Demachiyanagi station where we boarded the Eizan Electric train line. I bought tickets at the machine in the station but, contrary to something I had read, when I approached the barrier I noticed that the line now took IC cards, but it was fun negotiating another Japanese ticket machine.

The train journey was very picturesque heading up into the mountains and we disembarked at Kibune. We walked up the hill to the Kifune shrine which has a long set of entrance steps flanked by red wooden lanterns. It was very quiet when we were there and incredibly peaceful.

We walked back to the start of the path to Kurama, paid our money and took the wooden walking poles on offer and set off up the hill. The walk took about 45 minutes and is mostly on steps. It can be quite steep in areas and sometimes the tree roots make it a bit harder walking so good shoes or boots are recommended. There are a number of small temples to see along the way and some fantastic views once you get over the top and heading into Kurama

We headed town to the larger temple complex of Kurama-dera with its broad plaza and many stairways flanked by red poles with lanterns. We saw some locals standing in front of the temple and what seemed to be worshiping but apparently there is a mark in front of the temple where the god of the temple is thought to descend and locals like to stand here and make a wish since it’s a “power spot.”

There is also a funicular railway which we took for a small fee and has a great view down the mountain and out into the valley.

At the bottom of the funicular we walked down to Kurama station and headed back to Kyoto.

Once back in Kyoto we revisited the Philopher’s walk and after a late lunch in a delightful cake shop playing some cool jazz we headed back to Gion.

We walked through Murayama Park with its cherry blossom trees and visited the Yasaka shrine. We then wound our way through the narrow streets of Gion and visited the Kennin-ji Temple.

We headed back after a long day to the hotel and bed.