Uncover Kyoto's hidden gems in this 7 hour day trip from central Kyoto. Head to these “spiritual power spots” nestled into the natural beauty of the mountains, far away from crowds.
Upon ascending Mt. Kuruma, you will find a wealth of magical temples, relaxing onsens and hiking paths through lush green cedar forests.Mt. Kurama is a very historical area, known for being the birthplace of reiki (a healing technique) and home to the tengu, Japanese folklore creatures said to be the protectors of the natural world.You will leisurely walk from Kurama to the quaint mountain village of Kibune, stopping to see various sights along the way.It is the perfect trip for those wishing to get out of the city and enjoy some easy hiking in the nature.
① 9:00 – Pickup from your hotel in Kyoto city
Your guide will meet you at your hotel and escort you to Kurama by the Eizan Railway.From there you will take a short 15 minute walk to Yuki Shrine. 
② 10:30 - 10:50 - Yuki shrine
Yuki Shrine was actually built in central Kyoto, but in 940 AD was moved to Kurama to protect the area from mysterious evil.One of the highlights of this mountainous shrine is an 800-year-old cedar tree which towers over the shrine at 53m tall . 
③ 11:15 – 12:00 - Kuramadera Honden Kondo
After exploring Yuki Shrine, you will meander though the forest on a pleasant 25 minute walk to the most famous shrine of the area – Kuramadera.Founded in the 8th century, Kuramadera is dedicated to the worship of mountains and nature, and has an incredible view over the surrounding mountain ranges, especially in Autumn.See how many long-nosed tengu (guardians of the mountain) you can spot. 
④ 12:10 – 12:25 - Walk on Kinone-michi
From the main shrine, further walk into the forest to Kinonemichi (Tree Root Road).There, you'll find that the path becomes a sea of tree roots for you to traverse.The rooms are unable to grow underground due to the hardness of the surrounding sandstone, so instead grow upon the surface, allowing you to see something usually buried deep in the ground.
⑤ 12:25 - 12:35 - Okunoin Maoden
Nestled deep in the mountains is the Okunoin Maoden Temple. It is said to be where demons reign and has a very mysterious feeling about it. 
⑥ 12:55 – 13:25 - Kifune Jinja Hongu
Kifune Shrine is considered a place for sailors to go to pray for luck on their voyages and is dedicated to the God of water and rain.There are places where you can drink the pure mountain water fresh from the source, and many little streams dotted around If you come in summer, expect to be charmed by the wildflowers, but it is no less stunning shrouded in autumn colors, or pure white snow.Be sure to try the mizuura mikuji (water fortune telling paper) which your guide can translate for you. 
⑦ 13:30 – 14:30 - Lunch at a Kawadoko style restaurant in Kibune
Eat at a local "kawadoko" restaurant. Kawadoko is a Kyoto style of restaurant where the floor is built on the river so that customers can relax hearing the tinkling of the stream as they eat, and refresh feeling the cool air coming off the water.
⑧ 14:35 -15:00 - Kifune Jinja Okumiya
According to legend, a goddess traveled in a boat from Osaka all the way up the river into these mountains.This inner shrine of Kifune houses the boat it is said that she rode in. 
⑨ 15:15 – 15:30 - Kifune Cosmetics & Gallery
Browse their products made from water drawn from the sacred springs of the Kibune area. They draw the water at the full moon, making it spiritually and energetically charged. They claim their products bring out the flawless skin that Japanese women are famous for by combining thousand-year-old Kyoto traditions with cutting edge technology.⑩
16:00 - Kibuneguchi station
Head to Kibuneguchi station for the trip back to Kyoto.⑪
17:00 – Drop off at your hotel in Kyoto city
• Immerse yourself in the clear mountain air and lush green of the Kyoto mountains
• Try a Kawadoko (eating on the river) style traditional restaurant
• Explore the grounds of the legendary Karumadera Temple
• Feel like you're in a fairytale on the Tree Root Road
• Have your fortune told by the magical waters of Kibune at the Kifune Jinja Hongu
• Please wear comfortable shoes as we will be walking on mountain paths
• This tour is not suitable for baby strollers or wheelchairs
• If you wish to change the tour time, please contact us
| Price | ¥18,000 / person ¥35,000 for a private tour for 1 person |
|---|---|
| Duration | 8 hours |
| Hours of availability | 9:00-17:00 (flexible) |
| Inclusions | • English speaking guide |
| Exclusions | • Food and drinks |
| Participants | 1-6 people |
Anna Dominique Thomas（US）★★★★★
Nice experience for foreigners and locals alike!
We booked the Mt. Kurama tour in Kyoto and highly recommend it. Michiko-san, our tour guide, met us at our hotel and we commuted to Mt. Kurama together. It was such a nice experience for foreigners and locals alike because Michiko-san was very knowledgeable of Japanese history and we learned a lot from her. She also speaks perfect English! We were lucky enough to see wild deer on our hike and it made our hike truly special. We will definitely book again!
Madlena（ Bulgaria）★★★★★
Enjoy nature and traditions around Kyoto mountains with a delightful companion
Ms. Michiko Murayama, the tour guide, had a wonderful plan and I was looking very much forward walking around and exploring the natural and cultural beauty around Kyoto mountains. However, “the God of water” had the last say about it. Due to heavy rainfall in the day of the event, Michiko had to make changes to the itinerary and ensure safety. She suggested to visit only shrines that have easier access and had to cancel the much anticipated walk through the forest. With much regret about the cancellation, however, Michiko made the best effort to have a pleasant experience by organizing efficient transportation, reasonable access to shrines. Her inspiring attitude helped us deal with the poring rain and look at the positive as we enjoyed encounter with unusually colorful frog and fresh wild berry in the forest. We both laughed when I identified her as “juggling master” when she was holding both my umbrella, her umbrella and taking a picture at the same time. Due to the cancellation of significant portion of the tour there was remaining time and Michiko suggested to visit “The Home of 1000 Buddha’s”. Although, I have visited the site years ago, I appreciate visiting it again and with Michiko ‘s guidance and explanations I was able to comprehend deeper the beautiful national treasure. During the day Michiko and I had multiple interesting conversations and we enjoyed discussing similarities between different cultures. Michiko was very helpful and caring when managing the wet conditions. She was well prepared to offer much needed little towels. Although the Water God was not welcoming us that day, it was very pleasurable and enriching experience when spending time with Ms. Michiko Murayama. I highly recommend this tour and wish people to be able to enjoy the natural and cultural beauty in the mountains of Kyoto along side a wonderful companion as Ms. Michiko Murayama.
Read more about 1 Day Hiking Tour in the Mountains of Kyoto - https://www.viator.com/en-CA/tours/Kyoto/1-Day-Hiking-Tour-in-the-Mountains-of-Kyoto/d332-22178P67?mcid=56757
Daniel（USA）★★★★★
Autumn Hike
Enjoyable walking hike through beautiful scenery in Mount Kuruma. Great guided tour by Tomo. Both the guide agency and Tomo were flexible to modify the tour on the spot in response to my request.
