We will visit Kuramadera which is a Buddhist temple located along the steep wooded mountainside. Behind the temple's main building, the hiking trail continues through the forest to Kibune, a small town famous for Kibune Shrine dedicated to the goddess of the water "Tamayorihime". The hike from Kurama-dera to Kibune takes about one hour. If you like, you can also enjoy "Onsen" hot spring at Kurama.
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
At your hotel in kyoto city area
Your hotel
Pick you up at your hotel
Kuramadera temple
Kuramadera is known for its spirituality and breathtaking natural beauty. This temple protects the northern entrance of the ancient capital Kyoto from the intrusion evil spirits.
Hiking from Kurama to Kibune through wooded forest past several other temple structures
We walk through the beautiful mountain path covered with the roots of trees called "Kinonemichi."
Kifune Shrine
This shrine is located in the northern part of Kyoto. It is the source of the "Kamogawa" river, which flows through city center.
Therefore, the deity of water has been enshrined and worshipped here in Kibune.
Scenic train ride from Kibuneguchi Sta. to Kurama
Kurama Onsen (The facility may be suspended due to the covid-19)
Let's have lunch and enjoy soaking in Onsen (Open air Spa) at Kurama Onsen resort after the hike (If you like)
Eiden Railway Kurama Station
See you off at Eiden Kurama Station
Ending Point
Eiden(Tram Train) Demachi Yanagi Station
This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
-My services as your Tour Guide
-My transportation fare
* This tour might be extended due to various circumstances such as weather or your physical conditions etc. In such case, I would NOT charge any extra guide fee.
-Entrance fees (Kuramadera: 500 yen per person)
-Taxi fare from your hotel to Demachi yanagi Tram station:around 1000 to 3000 yen per cab from city center
-Eiden Tram Train: 940 (470*2) yen per person
-Cable car: 200 yen per person
-Bus and train fare: 350 yen per person (170 yen for bus from kibune Jinja to Kibuneguchi Sta. 220yen for train from Kibuneguchi Sta. to Kurama Sta.)
-Lunch,drinks, and snacks
-I recommend this tour from May to November.
-You are going to walk in Mountain area for about two hours. So I recommend you should wear sneakers or hiking shoes and bring a rain wear or umbrella in case of shower, and also bring some water and snacks to appease your thirst and hunger temporarily.
-You can take cable-car (200 yen)that leads about halfway up the mountain. In this case, you may skip Yuki jinja shrine.
-If you like to enjoy "Kawadoko" meal, please let me know, I will arrange it. Most restaurants serve meals that range in price from 10,000 to 20,000 yen per person. Dependig on the wether conditions, you may have lunch inside of the building.
-From Kibune to Kurama station via Kibuneguchi station, we usually use public transportation(Shuttle Bus and scenic train).
-Daytrippers can use the public open-air bath at the price of 1000 yen at Kurama Onsen resort.
-In case of rain, I would like to take you to Ohara district (Sanzen-in temple, and so on) after visiting Kuramadera temple and Kibune Shrine by my private vehicle.
I usually use public transportation systems such as trains, buses, taxi, and so on.
I like outdoor activities. If you would like to do hiking, cycling etc., please feel free to ask me in advance.
Hi! I'm Koichi. I was born in Osaka, I studied in Kyoto when I was a university student. Now I live in Shiga next to Kyoto. I am a national government licensed tour guide. I have been guiding about 160 groups over the past twelve months.
I usually guide my customers mainly in Kansai region including Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, Kobe and Shiga by public transportation systems.
Well, I am curious about Japanese history, especially the history of Japan's ancient times since I was raised next to the world biggest mausoleum of the ancient Emperor called "Nintoku" in Sakai city Osaka which has just become one of the world cultural heritage sites. I dug out some ancient earthen ware vessels around there when I was a primary school student like the adventure archaeologist “Indiana Jones" (It’s our secret!!). That was my hobby. Now, one of my hobbies is outdoor activities such as mountaineering, kayaking, skiing and others. So I would like to take you to some good places where you can enjoy Japanese unique nature.
I love to guide foreign visitors from all over the world. I think it is my calling or heavenly given job. Let's go and enjoy together! I hope to see you soon.
Sara V.
“Western highlights private Kyoto tour”
Our private tour of Kyoto’s western highlights was nothing short of extraordinary. From start to finish, our guide Koichi provided an enriching, and personalized experience that exceeded all expectations. We explored the serene Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, marveled at the elegance of Tenryu-ji Temple, strolled along the picturesque Togetsukyo Bridge, and visited the stunning Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion). Koichi was both educational and enjoyable. This private tour was a true highlight of our trip to Japan. If you want to explore Kyoto’s western treasures this is the way to do it. Highly, highly recommended! Koichi was superb. I would give him more than 5 stars!
Sara V.
“Eastern Kyoto private tour”
I can’t recommend this Kyoto tour highly enough! Our guide Koichi was not only incredibly knowledgeable but also warm, professional, and passionate about Kyoto’s rich history and culture. From the moment we met, he made us feel welcome and tailored the tour perfectly to our interests. We explored iconic sites like Fushimi Inari Shrine, Kiyomizudera, visited Gion town and walked around Sannenzaka and Ninnenzaka streets. Koichi provided historical context, local legends, and even restaurant recommendations that only a true local would know. His English was excellent! Whether you’re a first-time visitor or returning for a deeper dive into the city, this tour is absolutely worth it. It was one of the highlights of our entire trip to Japan!
Eileen E.
“Great day in Osaka”
Koichi met us at our hotel, showed us how to use the train, shortened the lines and managed the crowds for us on a great day in Osaka. He was friendly, funny and well-informed. I highly recommend him for a tour of Osaka
Koichi W.
Hi! Eileen san. Thank you for giving me such a nice review and good rating. It was a short time but I was able to share a wonderful time with you. If you have a chance to come to Japan, I hope to see you again. Arigato-gozaimasu!! Koichi
$266/ per group