Kurama-dera Temple: A mysterious mountain protected by Tengu

The best power spot in Kyoto! Mt. Kurama, known as the training ground of Ushiwakamaru, the childhood name of Yoshitsune Minamoto who was military commander of the Minamoto clan of Japan in the late Heian era (about 650 years ago). He was trained by the guardian demon king "Tengu", who is said to be descended from Venus. Mt. Kurama is located on the grounds of Kurama Temple. It is said that the principal is the invisible power of the universe! Why don't you take your time to visit the nature-rich Kurama-dera Temple and charge the power to your whole body?

Kurama-dera Temple

This is the headquarters of Kurama Sect.  A holy priest, Gankyo, enshrined Bishamonten in 770. 
Various temple treasures such as the national treasure Bishamonten statue are displayed at the Reihoden. There is the ruins of Ushiwakamaru on the mountain path from the back of the main hall to the inner shrine.

Visiting time: 9: 00-16: 30
Admission fee: JPY 300 (Admission to Reihoden is JPY 200)
Address: 1074 Kurama Honmachi, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto
TEL: 075-741-2003
Traffic: Get off at Eizan Railway Kurama Station and the temple. Walk to the north (Nio-mon gate),
About 30 minutes on foot to the main shrine, or about 10 minutes by using cable

A huge Tengu welcomes you! "Kuramasan" is a mysterious treasure trove!

Close to the world heritage "Shimogamo Shrine", take the Eizan Railway from "Demachiyanagi Station" for about 30 minutes, and get off at "Kurama Station", the end point.
You will be greeted by a huge Tengu statue. A Tengu with a big, long and powerful nose makes you excite!

However, this Tengu injured his important nose in heavy snow on January 15, 2017! It has broken from the root.
"Eizan Electric Railway" had announced the retirement of the monument "Big Tengu" in front of Kurama Station, and re-make a new one!
The original Tengu exhibition ended on December 20, 2018 and the reborn in FRP (reinforced plastic) was unveiled on October 18, 2019.

■ About the new "Tengu"

Exhibition Period: From Friday, October 18, 2019
Height: 4.0m (the height of the tengu's face is 1.8m)
Material: FRP (fiber reinforced plastic)

Start from Sanmon Gate (Nio-mon)

Get off at Kurama Station and the first thing you will notice is the Sanmon Gate (Nio-mon).
At Kurama-dera Temple, where Mt. Kurama itself is the object of worship, this mountain gate is the barrier from the world to the pure world. Here, you pay 300 yen for loving fee and enter. It's better to call loving fee instead of admission!

This mountain gate was rebuilt in 1911, but only the left door was from 1182-4. The Nio-statue is said to have been created by Tankei, a Buddhist master who represented the Kamakura period. Repent of your evil heart, tighten your feelings and enter the mountain.
As you pass through the gate, you will be refreshing your way with "Genjyosui water," which flows down from the Kannon-like lotus in front.
Now, you will start mountain climbing! 　Mt. Kurama is considered to be a sacred body of the gods, so it is good to enjoy the nature of the approach slowly on your feet.‥‥ But if you are not confident in your physical strength, there is a shortest cable car in Japan!

Ride the shortest Cable Car in Japan

The Kuramayama Cable Car was built to make it easier for people with weaker feet and the elderly and is not for profit. So you don't need a fare! But JPY 200 is required as a thank you donation to maintain the hall.

Japan's shortest cable car, Kuramayama Kosaku Railway, is 207 meters long and arrives at Tahoto Station in about 2 minutes from Sanmon Station. This cable car is operated by the temple, so the crew is wearing temple's uniform.

Worship the main hall, Kondo

When you get off the cable car, there is a 300m gentle slope and 155 stone steps from Tahoto Station. The reason why the cable car does not reach the main shrine is that the temple hope you to walk a little. Take a walk on the wonderful "New street" and enjoy yourself!

In front of the main hall, Kondo, where you arrive after a bit of sweat, is the best view point where you can overlook Mt. Hiei! Charge the "mountain energy" thoroughly!

Is the energy of the universe transmitted? The best spiritual point in Kyoto!

The main hall is the central dojo of Kurama-dera, and the main hall is Santen-son.
Senju Kannon Bodhisattva (a symbol of charity with the spirit of the moon ring)
Bishamon Tenno (symbol of light with the spirit of the sun)
Demon King (Symbol of vitality)

The stone floor in front of the main hall is the strongest power spot, "Kongo-sho".

People who visit here are making a queue, and when you stand at the center of the hexagram, spread your arms widely and look at the sky! Here, you are united with the universe, and when you make a wish, it will come true! Believe it or not, give it a try!



Here at Kurama-dera, the gurdian is not a komainu (stone dog), but a tiger!

The tiger is a god beast that is said to be the messenger of Bishamon-Ten, the principal god. It is said that Bishamon-Ten appears on the month of tiger, day of tiger and time of tiger.

It is also recommended to walk to Kifune Shrine slowly for 3 hours!

This time used the cable car, but it is best to walk on the "Tsuzura street"! The famous essay writer, Seishonagon" also wrote about this street in her essay Makurano Soshi. It is also a good idea to extend your way  to "Kifune Shrine". It is a journey of about 3 hours, so if you are confident in your feet, please try it!

Relieve fatigue in the open-air bath in Kurama Onsen mountains

A natural sulfur hot spring that can be used on a day trip and is perfect for relieving the fatigue of visiting Mt. Kurama. The open-air bath in the mountains has the taste of a secret, and the hot springs you enter while watching the autumn leaves or the snowy landscape in winter are exceptional.