Kurama-dera Temple in Kyoto

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Facts & Figures

Kurama-dera Temple is located north of Kyoto at the base of Mount Kurama (584 m). You can reach the large Buddhist temple complex by a short cable-car ride, which at a length of 207 m is Japan’s shortest railway, in operation since 1957, followed by a brief hike. A one-way ticket costs 200 yen for adults. Locals and tourists admire this place for its surrounding natural beauty with huge cedar trees and breathtaking panoramic views. It is also known as a spiritual power spot, where Sonten, creator of the universe (trinity composed of Maoson, Senju, and Bishamonten Kannon) is worshiped. The temple halls contain some items, which are National Treasures of Japan. The legendary long-nosed tengus (mystical creatures and guardians of the mountain) calls this place their home. I highly recommend you a 1hr hike from Kurama-dera Temple to the small rural village of Kibune. The sacred path (sando) leads you through beautiful nature.

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• Kurama-dera Temple:
• Opening Hours - 9:00 am to 4:15 pm
• Open - all year
• Admission Fee - 500 yen: 300 yen entrance fee (Adults) + 200 yen cable car option (Elementary School students and below pay 100 yen)

History

Kurama-dera dates back to 770. In this year monk Gantei founded the temple. He studied under the renowned Chinese Buddhist master Jianzhen (688 - 763), known as Ganjin in Japan. Over the centuries the temple burned down many times, but the most important sacred objects, like Buddhist statuary, always survived. The temple belonged in the past to three different Buddhist sects. Until 1949 Kurama-dera belonged to the Tendai sect of Buddhism, but afterwards, it became the independent headquarters of a new sect called Kurama-Kokyo (Kurama School of Buddhism) founded by Abbot Kouun Shigaraki in 1947. Kurama-Kokyo is a fusion of Buddhist teachings, Shinto practices, and local mountain-spirit beliefs.

Top Attractions inside Kurama-dera and nearby

Top:

Honden - The main building was reconstructed in 1971.

Sekurabe Ishi - The sacred stone can be found near the top of Mount Kurama.

Niomon Gate - The gates mark the entrance of the Kurama-dera Temple.

Reihoden - A museum which contains some of the temple's treasures.

Kongosho - Close to the main hall on the ground is this six-pointed star symbol located. It is a very powerful spot and once you stand on top of it you will feel the energy flowing through your body.

Yuki Jinja Shrine - Here you can see an over 800-year-old cedar tree (Kitayama sugi). The famous Shinto shrine itself was founded in 940.

Kurama Onsen (Hot Spring) - Set on the outskirts of Kurama, just a 10-minute walk from the station, the complex boasts both indoor and open-air hot-spring baths.

Festival & Events (dates can change without notice)

March

Higashiyama Hanatouro Festival (Early - Mid March)
The illumination of local temples and roads by thousands of lanterns in the Higashiyama neighbourhood last for 10 days and starts at 6pm until 9:30pm. It is an unforgettable experience.

April

Miyako Odori (1st - 31st)
The traditional annual spring dance of the Kyoto district Gion Kobu performed by Geiko and Maiko is a must-see on your Kyoto visit. Don't miss the most popular dances the Miyako Odori "Cherry Blossom Dances" or "Dances of the Old Capital" at the Gion Kobu Kaburenjo Theater (located close to Gion Corner).

May

Aoi Matsuri (15th)
The highlight of this festival is a large parade from the Imperial Palace through the Shimogamo Shrine and ends at the Kamigamo Shrine (Kamigamo-jinja). More than 500 people wearing aristocratic costumes from the Heian Period (794 - 1185). The Aoi Matsuri belongs with the Gion Matsuri and Jidai Matsuri as the three most famous festivals in Kyoto.

July

Gion Matsuri (whole month)
The month of July is full of different events like the Yoiyama - Kyoto's Magical Night (locals in kimonos look at the giant Gion floats the day before the parade) or the famous Yamaboko Junko (float procession on the 17th of July).

October

Jidai Matsuri ("Festival of Ages") (22nd)
People celebrate with a large parade between Imperial Palace to Heian Shrine the anniversary of the foundation of Kyoto. App. 2000 participants wearing historical costumes from different time periods. Enjoy this great festival which lasts around 2 hours.

Kurama Fire Festival (22nd)
The annual festival of Yuki Shrine near Kurama-dera Temple belongs to the three great fire festivals in Japan. The other two are the Nachi Fire Festival (14th of July) at Kumano Nachi Taisha Grand Shrine (Wakayama) and Gozan no Okuribi (Daimonji Festival - 16th of August) at five mountain sites around Kyoto. Be the witness when huge torches are carried through the streets of the rural town of Kurama.