Booking fee
The booking fee includes the costs of booking your tickets such as charges for payment processing. It also covers the provision of our customer care center for processing your order, and all charges imposed by our suppliers.
* This tour requires at least one of the following per booking: Adult, Senior
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.
English speaking guide
Hotel pick-up/drop-off
Public transport costs (from Central Kyoto - Kurama and back)
Shrine/Temple entry fees
Lunch
Departure Point
Traveler pickup is offered
The guide will meet you in the lobby of your hotel in Kyoto city.
Yuki Shrine, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture, Japan 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. 20 minutes
Mount Kurama, Kuramahonmachi, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, 601-1111, Japan The mountain is known as the birthplace of the holistic healing art called Reiki. In the early 1900s, the founder of Reiki, Mikao Usui, meditated for 21 days on this mountain and received the Reiki healing energy. Mikao Usui meditated near the top of the mountain at a site called Osugi Gongen, at the site of a great sacred tree said to be an incarnation of the god Maoson.
Once you reached the mountain, you can sense positive chi surrounding you. As you stepped in the front door of the temple, you feel so comfortable spiritually and energetic physically. Somehow, you can link your spirit with the mountain, to soil beneath and the sky above you. It’s an excellent meditation experience just by walking around the mountain, maze of focus roots and the trees. 60 minutes
Kurama-dera, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture, Japan 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. 45 minutes
Okunoin Maoden, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture, Japan 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. 10 minutes
Kifune Shrine, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture, Japan 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 the shrine. If you come in summer, expect to be charmed by the wildflowers, but it is no less stunning shrouded in autumn colours, or pure white snow. Be sure to try the mizuura mikuji (water fortune telling paper) which your guide can translate for you. 30 minutes
Kifune Shrine, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture, Japan 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. 25 minutes
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Barbara_S
15 Nov 2024
We very much enjoyed this tour of Kyoto nature and countryside. We wouldn’t have been able to make to any of these sights without this tour and our guide was very informative and helpful. We had a wonderful time!
L2867HFcharlesm
09 Nov 2024
Touring with Koko was like visiting with an old friend we hadn’t seen in a long time. She is as engaging and informative as she is inquisitive and warm.
An eagerly anticipated trip to the mountains was full of culture, legends and wonderful nature.
Thank you Koko for what has been the highlight, for me, of our epic trip to Japan.
Charles (Coco) Melanson
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Sunshine02399691765
26 Oct 2024
Miyo our guide was fantastic, enthusiastic and knowledgeable. We felt well looked after and she even catered for a complex group with 1 vegetarian and 1 person with gluten intolerance.
The entire journey there and back was an adventure and the mountain itself while accessible was greatly enhanced by Miyo's inside knowledge.
If you are expecting a day hiking in the mountains covering a lot of ground this is not the hike for you. However, as a good half day of gentle hiking around a beautiful and historical site set with mountain views, this is perfect.
This tour in
Japan
is organized by
Trip Designer Inc.
We always double-check the availability with our local partners for each booking. Even though this is usually a swift process, it can take up to 24 hours. Once this process is completed you will receive your voucher or ticket by email. If our local partner is not able to confirm your booking we will offer you the best possible alternative. If the new date and/or time doesn’t fit your itinerary, we will reimburse the full amount paid.
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