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A temple known as the place where Ushiwakamaru is said to have trained with tengu mountain spirits and also popular as a spiritual energy spot.
Kurama-dera is the head temple of the Kurama Kokyo sect. Its history is said to have begun in 770, when the monk Gantei, a disciple of Jianzhen of Toshodai-ji Temple in Nara, enshrined Bishamonten. The Main Hall houses Bishamonten, the Thousand-Armed Kannon Bodhisattva, and Goho Maoson. Instead of guardian lion-dogs, a pair of A-un Tigers protects the principal deity. The principal deity is a hidden Buddhist image displayed once every 60 years, in the Year of the Fire Tiger. The next viewing will be in 2046. The stone-paved Kongosho in front of the Main Hall is modeled after a star mandala representing the vibrations of cosmic energy and is popular as a spiritual energy spot.
Legend has it that Minamoto no Yoshitsune, known in childhood as Ushiwakamaru, trained with tengu mountain spirits after being entrusted to Kurama-dera Temple. Along the rugged mountain trail from the Main Hall to the Inner Sanctuary are several places associated with Ushiwakamaru, including the Tree Root Path where he is said to have trained, a spring where he rested, and a stone against which he measured his height.
The temple grounds offer many other attractions, including the winding Tsuzura-ori approach mentioned by Sei Shonagon in The Pillow Book and the relocated study of poet Yosano Akiko. The Reihoden Museum houses valuable Buddhist statues, including the National Treasure Triad of Standing Bishamonten Statues and the Nationally Important Cultural Property Standing Sho Kannon Statue.
A cable railway runs from the temple gate, a 3-minute walk from Kurama Station, making the temple accessible to older visitors and families with small children. Those with the stamina can also take their time walking up the winding Tsuzura-ori approach, which passes Hojo Pond and Mao Falls.
The area around Kurama Station, distinguished by its large tengu monument, has souvenir and Japanese confectionery shops worth visiting before or after your temple visit.
The Main Hall and the Kongosho spiritual energy spot
The Tree Root Path, where Ushiwakamaru is said to have trained
Triad of Standing Bishamonten Statues, a National Treasure
A cable railway is also available from the temple gate
Some reviews are AI-translated.
Kurama-dera is located on Mount Kurama in northern Kyoto and is one of the city's renowned ancient mountain temples. You can take the cable car or enjoy a leisurely walk along the forest trail. The lush greenery and fresh air offer a peaceful escape from the bustle of the city. The temple grounds have a solemn, historic atmosphere, and the Kongosho in front of the Main Hall is a popular place for visitors to stop and pray.
Famous for its tengu legends, this temple is known as the guardian temple of the city's demon gate.
It takes about an hour and a half to hike from Kurama-dera to Kibune. The trail is actually pretty easy, with untouched forest scenery and fresh air all around.
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