The Kurama-dera temple 鞍馬寺
Mystical Ascension of Kurama Temple for a Zen Experience near Kyoto
There is no doubt that Kyoto concentrates an unparalleled quantity of temples and shrines. One of these treasures is the Kurama-dera, perched on Mount Kurama and easily accessible by train from Kyoto. A unique place to discover with happiness after a Zen climb in the heart of lush nature ...
Nature lovers ? The city of Kyoto offers in its large periphery several essential sites such as Arashiyama in the west or the village of Uji , famous for the high quality of the tea produced, in the south. Another picturesque village is one of the curiosities to discover in the surroundings of Kyoto: Mount Kurama and especially its Buddhist temple, the Kurama-dera . The latter is located a few kilometers north of the former imperial capital.
- To read also : 7 excursions from Kyoto
The history of Kurama-dera and the Tendai Buddhist school
The Kurama-dera is a Buddhist temple located north of Kyoto, on the eponymous mountain and not far from the famous Mount Hiei. It was founded in 770 by the monk Gantei , who came from Nara and belonging to the Tendai Buddhist school. Today, with some of its atypical practices, and the veneration of its triad of deities, the temple truly has a status of its own in Japanese Buddhist schools.
It has experienced many fires during its history, but statues and other property could always be saved and today have become national treasures , recognized by the state. It is often said that the temple radiates a strong energy. mystical . The spirituality around this place remains authentic, and it is very popular with the Japanese.
How to get to Kurama-dera? Take the Eizan train line
To access the Kurama-dera temple from central Kyoto, you will need to take a unique little train on the Eizan Kurama line . The Eizan line splits into two branches at Takaragaike station, so be careful to take a train to Kurama . From Demachiyanagi Station, the trip takes 30 minutes and costs 430 yen .
Getting on this little train is already an experience in itself! Composed of a single train, the train climbs quickly and crosses real forests. Comfortably seated, you can easily admire the landscape. The train will very quickly leave urbanity to move in a green setting with pronounced relief. A treat in any season, which seems much shorter than the 30 minutes advertised ...!
The ascent to Kurama-dera
Get off at the last stop , at Kurama station. Just out of the station, a huge Tengû , the famous god with the long nose, will welcome you. The Tengu are often considered benevolent kami ( Shinto deities).
A funicular, installed very close to the station, allows faster access to the temple; but between us, it is strongly advised not to take it and to make the ascent on foot . The discovery of Kurama-dera also passes through this walk in the forest.
On peut même se placer à l'avant du train de la ligne Eizan !
J.R.
La porte Niomon
Wikimedia Commons
L'ascension vers le Kurama-dera
Wikimedia Commons
This small hike begins quickly after arriving at the station: its beginning is marked by the magnificent Niomon gate , then by a small Shinto shrine, the Yuki-jinja and its immense cedar.
The hike then lasts about 45 minutes and remains accessible to all. This is the opportunity to soak up the mystical and spiritual energy that reigns in these places. The ascent will be made along paths punctuated by stairs, bridges, lanterns, streams, all between the trees ...
Finally, there will be the imposing Kurama-dera complex and its vast Honden building. The main building is built on the mountainside , and has a beautiful terrace which offers a magnificent view of the valley and its forest covered with mist.
Mountain hike near Kyoto to Kibune
Once you have visited the Kurama-dera site, why not continue the adventure, as you can continue to climb Mt. The walk is pleasant and the cedar forest is magnificent. Continue on the marked path that will lead you to Kibune . Kibune is a picturesque and quite touristy village. Nevertheless, the charm is there and the Shinto shrine of Kibune is also worth a detour.
In addition, you must absolutely taste the nagashi sômen , these very fine wheat noodles that you have to grab with the end of the chopsticks as they parade before your eyes in small packages on a water slide made of bamboo . A local specialty, very popular with Kyotoites in summer ...
- Read also : A home cooking workshop in Kyoto
In addition, if you choose to leave directly after discovering Kurama-dera, we advise you to take a break, once all down, at the " Kurama onsen ", which is on the main (and unique) street of the village of Kurama , a few hundred meters from the station. You can relax in the hot spring water while enjoying a splendid view of the mountains.
Address, timetable & access
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Address
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Access
9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
