Kurama and Kibune are a pair of tranquil rural villages and easy and scenic 30-minute train north of Kyoto on Eizan Line. They form the best half-day trip out of Kyoto.
Kurama dera Temple, Honden Kondo
Kurama And Kibune Area Description:
Tucked into the mountains north of the Kyoto, Kurama and Kibune feel like worlds away. Surrounded by forested mountains, these two quaint villages will ease your soul after spending too long among the neon and concrete of the city below. The premier attraction is Kurama-dera, a mountaintop temple with great views. Combine a visit here with a walk over the mountain to the village of Kibune.
Things To Do And See in Kurama
- Kurama-dera Mountain Temple
Kurama-dera Mountain Temple is easily the best day- or half-day trip out of Kyoto. High on the shoulder of Mt. Kurama, you can feel the power of nature up here - Yuki-jinja Shrine
A small Shinto shrine partway up Mt. Kurama, Yuki-jinja seems to embody the true spirit of Shinto: the reverence for the awesome power of nature - Kurama Onsen
The best onsen (hot spring) in the Kyoto area, Kurama Onsen is an easy 30-minute train trip north of Kyoto. Sitting in the outdoor tub surrounded by forested mountains is pure onsen bliss - Kurama to Kibune Hike
The easy hike from Kurama to Kibune, in the hills north of Kyoto, is our favorite half-day trip out of Kyoto City. It’s the perfect combination of nature and culture.
Things To Do And See in Kibune
- Kibune-jinja Shrine
Kifune-jinja Shrine (also known as Kibune-jinja) is the main sightseeing attraction in the quaint village of Kibune
Places to Eat in Kurama
- Yoshuji
Yoshuji is the nicest place to eat in Kurama, full stop. You can choose from sets of Buddhist vegetarian cuisine or simpler bowls of noodles - Aburaya Shokudo
Simple, hearty fare for pilgrims to Kurama-dera Mountain Temple, Aburaya Shokudo is an old-school eatery. No pretensions: just filling rice and noodle dishes
Places to Eat in Kibune
- Nakayoshi
A friendly and scenic spot to eat in Kurama, Nakayoshi fits the bill for lunch in this scenic village - Hirobun
Hirobun is one of the more laid-back riverside restaurants in the quaint village of Kibune - Beniya
Beniya is one of the more elegant riverside restaurants in the quaint riverside town of Kibune
Ryokan in Kibune
- Ryokan Ugenta
One of the finest and most stylish ryokan in the entire Kyoto Area, Ryokan Ugenta is prime honeymoon territory
Getting To Kurama And Kibune
- By train: Take the Keihan Line to the northernmost stop, Demachiyanagi Station, and switch to the Eizan Line. Be careful to board a Kurama-bound train as some trains on this line go to Yase instead.
Where Is This Place Located?
See these places on our Kyoto Google map:- Open the Kyoto map
- You will see the list of places on the left hand side. (Click the 3-line icon in the top left corner if not). Scroll down or use the map search (the magnifying glass icon) to find the place you want.
- Click the name of the place in the list. Its location pin will be highlighted on the map.
- Map pins are color coded - BLUE: Hotels | VIOLET: Ryokan | PINK: Places to Eat | YELLOW: Things to See and Do
- If you're using the map on your phone, open the map and then search for the name of the place. The map will then zoom in on its location.
Kyoto Vacation Checklist
- For all the essentials in a brief overview, see my First Time In Kyoto guide
- Check Kyoto accommodation availability on Booking.com and Agoda.com - often you can book with no upfront payment and free cancellation
- You can buy shinkansen (bullet train) tickets online from Klook - popular routes include Tokyo to Kyoto, Kyoto to Osaka and Kyoto to Tokyo
- Need tips on where to stay? See my one page guide Where To Stay In Kyoto
- See my comprehensive Packing List For Japan
- You can buy an eSim to activate in Japan or buy a data-only SIM card online for collection when you arrive at Tokyo's Narita or Haneda Airports or Kansai International Airport. You can also rent an unlimited data pocket wifi router
- Compare Japan flight prices and timings to find the best deals
- If you're making frequent train journeys during your visit, you might save money with Japan Rail Pass – see if it's worth it for you
- World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while traveling and claim online from anywhere in the world
- Do you want help planning your trip? Chris Rowthorn and his team of Japan experts at Japan Travel Consulting can help