A full-day excursion from Kyoto on the Eizan train: climb Mount Kurama among temples and forests, descend through the valley to the village of Kibune by the river, and end at the Kurama Onsen hot springs (~1.200 ¥ + train).
The excursion to Kurama and Kibune is one of the most complete nature getaways from Kyoto. The classic plan begins in the village of Kurama, where the impressive Kurama-dera temple —founded in the 8th century among thousand-year-old cedars— crowns the mountain of the same name. From the temple a hiking trail of about 4 km sets off, crossing the forest down to the quiet valley of Kibune, flanked by the Kibune river and its 20 kawadoko restaurants. The descent takes approximately one hour at a relaxed pace. At the end of the route, the Kifune shrine, dedicated to the deity of water, is especially photogenic among the morning mist. In the village of Kurama you can end the day with a bath at the Kurama Onsen (admission 1.000 ¥), one of the best in the region. To get to Kurama, take the Eizan train from Demachiyanagi station (30 minutes, 420 ¥). Admission to Kurama-dera temple costs about 300 ¥ plus access to the trail. Bring comfortable clothes and hiking shoes.
