Kurama-dera Temple
Quick Facts
- Location
- Japan, Kyoto
- Category
- Church & Religious Site
- Duration
- 1-2 hours
- Opening Hours
- Daily 09:00-16:15 · Main hall 9:00-16:15; Treasure Hall 9:00-16:00, closed Tuesdays (next day if a holiday or festival) and part of winter; cable 8:40 first, 16:25 last
- Ticket Price
- Adult: JPY 500 (high school+) · Child: Treasure Hall JPY 200 adults / JPY 100 schoolchildren · Treasure Hall and the cable car cost extra; the mountain path to Okunoin is free to walk
- Address
- 1074 Kuramahonmachi, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 601-1111, Japan
- Coordinates
- 35.1180, 135.7705
Introduction
Kurama-dera stands on Mt Kurama north of Kyoto, founded in 770 when Kanshin's disciple Kantei is said to have enshrined Bishamonten; it guarded the north of the Heian capital and is the legendary place where young Minamoto no Yoshitsune (Ushiwakamaru) trained with the tengu. The 'Kongojо' platform before the main hall is a famed power spot and cherry viewpoint, and the hall enshrines Bishamonten, Thousand-armed Kannon and the Dharma-King Maо as one triad. The ridge path to Okunoin crosses the gnarled 'Kinone-michi' root trail and Maо-den hall, then descends to Kifune Shrine. Annual rites include the May Full Moon Festival, June bamboo-cutting rite and September Yoshitsune Festival, while spring brings Uzu cherries and the weeping cherry by the tahoto. A short cable saves the climb from Niomon, though walking the whole way is part of the appeal.
✨ Highlights
🛈 Practical Info
Opening Hours
| Monday | 09:00-16:15 |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 09:00-16:15 |
| Wednesday | 09:00-16:15 |
| Thursday | 09:00-16:15 |
| Friday | 09:00-16:15 |
| Saturday | 09:00-16:15 |
| Sunday | 09:00-16:15 |
Main hall 9:00-16:15; Treasure Hall 9:00-16:00, closed Tuesdays (next day if a holiday or festival) and part of winter; cable 8:40 first, 16:25 last
Ticket Information
| Adult | JPY 500 (high school+) |
|---|---|
| Child | Treasure Hall JPY 200 adults / JPY 100 schoolchildren |
Treasure Hall and the cable car cost extra; the mountain path to Okunoin is free to walk
Transportation
Niomon is at Eizan Kurama Stn; cable plus 10 min or a 30 min hike
40 min from Kyoto Stn via the Eizan Railway
Ridge path to Kifune Shrine takes 1.5-2 h
FAQ
What are the opening hours of Kurama-dera Temple?
Monday: 09:00-16:15; Tuesday: 09:00-16:15; Wednesday: 09:00-16:15; Thursday: 09:00-16:15; Friday: 09:00-16:15; Saturday: 09:00-16:15; Sunday: 09:00-16:15; Main hall 9:00-16:15; Treasure Hall 9:00-16:00, closed Tuesdays (next day if a holiday or festival) and part of winter; cable 8:40 first, 16:25 last
How much is the admission for Kurama-dera Temple?
Adult: JPY 500 (high school+); Child: Treasure Hall JPY 200 adults / JPY 100 schoolchildren; Treasure Hall and the cable car cost extra; the mountain path to Okunoin is free to walk
How long should I spend at Kurama-dera Temple?
A typical visit takes 1-2 hours.
How do I get to Kurama-dera Temple?
Subway: Niomon is at Eizan Kurama Stn; cable plus 10 min or a 30 min hike; Bus: 40 min from Kyoto Stn via the Eizan Railway
