Kurama to Kibune Hike in One Day
Up through Kurama-dera, over the cedar-root mountain trail, down to the lantern stairs of Kifune Shrine and lunch on a platform over the river.
Last updated 2026-09-03 · 1-day self-guided plan
Kurama & Kibune
A temple, a mountain and a river to eat on
For walkers who want a proper hill trail with shrines at both ends, all within an hour of central Kyoto on a small train.
- 1
Kurama-dera
The Eizan Line from Demachiyanagi winds up the valley to Kurama in about 30 minutes; the huge red-nosed tengu mask outside the station tells you where you are. Enter through the Niomon gate around 9:00 and either take the short cable car or climb the lantern-lined path past Yuki Shrine, about 30 minutes. The main hall terrace looks across the northern mountains; stand on the hexagram in front of it if you want the temple's famous energy.
1.5 HoursCost: ¥500–1,000 
2Over the mountain to Kibune
From behind the main hall the trail climbs to Okunoin Mao-den through the Kinone-michi, where cedar roots writhe across the path, then drops steeply for about 30 minutes to the Kibune road. It is roughly 4 km in total, well marked, and the sound of water tells you the valley is close. Trail closures after typhoons are posted at the gate.
1–1.5 HoursCost: Free
3Kifune Shrine
You come out on the Kibune road a few minutes below Kifune Shrine, dedicated to the god of water; the stone staircase lined with red lanterns is the image everyone has seen. Draw a paper fortune and float it on the spring water in the courtyard to reveal the writing. Walk 10 minutes further up the road to Okumiya, the original shrine site, under giant cedars.
45 MinutesCost: Free- 4
Kawadoko lunch on the river
From May to September the Kibune restaurants build platforms over the river, and you eat with the stream running under your feet; it is several degrees cooler than the city. Around 13:00, order the set lunch of somen noodles or grilled ayu and expect a short wait. Outside those months the same inns serve nabe indoors by the water.
1.5 HoursCost: ¥3,000–6,000 - 5
Shimogamo Shrine on the way home
Walk down the road, or take the Kyoto Bus 33 to Kibuneguchi station, and ride the Eizan Line back. Get off at Demachiyanagi around 16:00 and walk 10 minutes into Tadasu-no-mori, the ancient forest around Shimogamo Shrine, for a last stretch of quiet before the city closes back in. Have mitarashi dango at Kamo Mitarashi Chaya by the west gate; the sweet was invented here.
1 HourCost: Free
Day 1 Estimated Cost
- Food¥3,500–6,500
- Transport¥900–1,400
- Admissions¥500–800
Tips
Eizan Line from Demachiyanagi, and IC cards work: sit on the left going up for the valley views; from November the Maple Tunnel section is lit at night.
This is a real hillside trail, not a garden path: proper shoes, a rain layer, and skip it after heavy rain when the descent turns to mud.
Book kawadoko lunch in summer, or arrive by 12:00; the platforms fill and the last seating is mid-afternoon.
The lantern stairs at Kifune are shot from the road below, in the flat light of early afternoon when you arrive; in late November the maples above them turn red.