Mt. Kurama, Part 3

Once you reach Kurama Temple the area opens up a lot. There are benches to rest on and a small area with picnic tables. The temple is associated with the zodiac year of the Tiger, so there are statues of tigers on the premises and all amulets you buy will have tigers on them. There is stone triangle in front of the temple that is a "power spot" associated with the practice of reiki. I didn't know that at the time, but stood on it anyways- every little bit helps, right?

A roof at Kurama Temple

There is also a museum on the temple grounds, with an extra charge to get in. I didn't see this, but if you are interested in statuary it might be worth your time. Mostly I spent my time enjoying the beautiful weather and fabulous view. You are above it all up in the mountains!

From the temple you follow a steeper set of stairs up to the path to Kibune. This portion of the walk is truly a trail, with lots of roots and stones to watch out for. It isn't that bad since you are almost near the top- most of the uphill was just getting to the temple. Sights to see along the way include Kinone Michi, the path of roots, an area where the roots of trees have spread and joined across the forest floor. I was interested in seeing the measuring stone where it's said that Minamoto Yoshitsune measured his height while training with the tengu.

There are several small shrines and temples along the way down the mountain. They are great stops to rest, look around and enjoy the forest. You will know you have reached Kibune when you come out of the forest at a red bridge, crossing the river.

Another mountain shot, because being there rocked!

To get to the Kibuneguchi Station turn left on the road and walk 2km. Before you do, visit Kibune Shrine. They have one of a kind fortunes that are blank until you soak them in the shrine's spring.

Starting at Kurama vs. Starting at Kibune

Most guides will advise you to get off the train at Kibuneguchi, walk up the road to Kibune and start the hike from there. I think this approach might be best in the summer, when the shops in Kibune are serving lunch on platforms over the stream running through town, and it's a nice cool break after your walk from the station. Starting from Kibune also means you are all ready to hit the Kurama onsen (hot springs) when you finish your hike there.

Starting in Kurama means you are right at the trailhead when you get off the train. This is the ideal plan for anyone who only plans on seeing Kurama Temple and not hiking over the whole mountain. You can even hit the hot springs on your return. If you do plan on hiking the whole trail, when you arrive in Kibune depending on the time of year there may or may not be many restaurant and entertainment options. When I went it was very cold in Kibune, though I warmed up on my walk (nice and downhill) to Kibuneguchi station.

Ending Tips for a Trip to Kurama:
- Wear layers of clothes. In the mountains it can go from hot to cold very quickly.

- Bring something to drink and a snack. There's nowhere to get anything once you start up the mountain.

-Bring your camera to capture the beautiful scenery!

-Interact with other hikers. Most people are friendly and willing to try and talk even if you don't speak Japanese.

-Take into account whether you will be hitting the Kurama hot springs at the end of your hike and plan from there.