For hiking enthusiasts seeking a break from Kyoto's temples, this is a fantastic experience just outside the city. We began our hike at Kuramadera temple, which is reachable by bus and train from Kyoto station. The hike has a moderate difficulty level, with a challenging descent towards Kibune that is steeper and more uneven than the ascent from Kuramadera temple. Our winter hike was made memorable by snowfall, offering beautiful views from the temple grounds. We even spotted a wild deer in the forest! Make sure to wear proper hiking shoes as the ground can become slippery after rain or when the snow melts. You can also start the hike from Kibune, with a small entry fee required.
The train ride from Kyoto into the foothills is fantastic. It's better to walk up from the entrance instead of taking the cable car to appreciate all the shrines along the journey. Although the main temple was covered in scaffolding and plastic sheets, it was still worthwhile to visit all the other sites, especially if you venture to the bell tower behind it. The views from the top are stunning.
The hike took us about 1 to 1.5 hours to ascend. We started the hike by crossing the small red bridge next to the shrine. The route was a bit dark due to rainy weather, but overall, it was a great hike! We ascended on the hiking path and descended using the standard stair path. The experience was definitely worth it without needing much preparation!
Honestly, I found the hike to be quite challenging, though manageable. I had to take breaks to catch my breath. It's essential to bring water along, and if it's raining, consider not going unless you have proper hiking shoes. Starting from Kurama is recommended, as the steps from Kibune are less suitable and felt riskier. There were very few people, and at times I was completely alone. It's best to skip the lift to enjoy some lovely spots.
Starting from Kurama to Kibune station is an easier trail. If you begin from Kibune, the trail is steeper. When we reached the station, it was snowing, creating a beautiful view in front of the Kurama entrance. A small fee is required to start your hike, so remember to bring some snacks, as there might not be shops available at Kibune depending on the day of your hike.
