The Tengu's Trail: Into the Heart of Kurama’s Mystical Mountain
Journey through the legendary mountains of Kurama and Kibune. Start at Kurama Temple, where Yoshitsune trained with the mythical Tengu, and where Aikido founder Ueshiba completed 21 days of spiritual practice. Walk through a lush, ancient forest rich with native trees and wildlife. Discover traces of history along the peaceful trail. Guided by the sound of a flowing stream, arrive in Kibune to visit its sacred Shinto shrines. A healthy, nature-filled hike connecting history, myth, and spirit.
Itinerary
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.
- At your hotel in Kyoto city or Station near from your hotel.
Start from Kurama Station
Start from Kurama Station
Kurama Temple
Mount Kurama, in northern Kyoto, is a sacred mountain known for its spiritual power, ancient forest, and legendary stories. It is home to Kurama-dera Temple, founded in 770 AD by the monk Gantei, a disciple of the Chinese monk Jianzhen (Ganjin). The temple has long been a center of mountain worship, blending Buddhism with native spiritual beliefs.
With its ancient cedar forests and mystical atmosphere, Mount Kurama remains a powerful place for reflection and hiking.
Entrance fee JPY 500
Kibune
Kibune is a peaceful mountain village in northern Kyoto, surrounded by lush forests and clear streams. It is home to Kifune Shrine, a sacred Shinto shrine over 1,300 years old, dedicated to the deity of water and rain. The area is known for its spiritual atmosphere, beautiful nature, and traditional riverside paths. Visitors can enjoy delicious meals at the riverside restaurants, known as kawadoko, where fish dishes and local specialties are served while dining above the cool stream. Many also hike from nearby Kurama to reach this historic and serene village.
Kibune station
Takes 1 hour to go back to Kyoto city from Kibune.
Ending Point
At your request
Want to personalize this tour?
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This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
Inclusions & Exclusions
The Guide fee and entrance fee.
Transportation fee from Demachiyanagi is not included (round trip approx. JPY 1,500).
Lunch is not included (approx. JPY 2,000–3,000).
Please cover the guide’s lunch cost.
Tour Important Information
This tour involves extensive walking, so please wear comfortable shoes.
Not recommended for participants with severe back or knee problems.
Not wheelchair accessible.
Please inform me in advance of any food allergies or other dietary restrictions.
Important message from the supplier
Transportation fee and lunch fee for yourself ans the guide will be paid by the customer.
Cancellation Policy
- Free cancellation - 8 days prior to meeting time
- 50% Refund - 3 to 7 days prior to meeting time
- No Refund - Within 2 day(s) prior to meeting time
About Tour Guide Akari Y.
I have started guiding in the Kansai area since 2023. I am passionate about introducing the history of Japan.
I am happy to introduce guests from overseas to the Japanese culture established by our predecessors.
I will introduce Japanese culture, food, cuisine, sake, nature, manga, spiritual culture, history, Buddhism, Shinto, Shugendo, pilgrimage paths, and other topics of interest.
Let me introduce myself. I was born in Osaka and grew up in Osaka and Kyoto. I have lived in the U.S., China, and Australia when I was young.
Reviews
Mike C.
“A Wonderful Morning in Osaka”
My wife and I had the honor of spending our very first day in Japan — our honeymoon — with Akari-San in Osaka. From the very beginning, she made us feel so welcome, sharing her deep knowledge of the city and Japanese history in a way that was engaging, thoughtful, and easy to connect with. She went above and beyond to ensure our day was stress-free and enjoyable, even taking the time to teach us how to use the train system — something that can feel overwhelming at first. Her kindness, patience, and attention to detail made us feel completely at ease, allowing us to focus on simply enjoying the beauty of Osaka. What stood out most was the genuine care she showed, constantly checking in to make sure we were comfortable and happy. It truly felt like spending the day with a dear friend! This was the perfect way to begin our journey, and it will remain one of the most cherished memories of our lives. Thank you, Akari-San, for being part of our adventure in Japan in such a meaningful and unforgettable way.
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Akari Y.
Thank you so much for your warm and thoughtful message. I am truly grateful to have had the chance to be part of such a special moment at the very beginning of your new journey together. I sincerely hope that your honeymoon in Japan will become a shining memory for you both. Seeing your closeness reminded me of the time when I first met my husband, and it brought back such fond memories. In a way, I felt as though I was looking at my younger self and my husband through the two of you. Please know that I will continue to keep you in my thoughts and wish you both lasting happiness. Thank you again for allowing me to share in this precious day of your lives. It was such an honor to be with you on one of the most memorable days of your lives. It was a day that reminded me how grateful I am to be a guide, and I truly felt that you shared your happiness with me. Thank you for that gift.
Dana F.
“What a wonderful experience!”
What a great pleasure it was to meet Akari! I visited Osaka on the last leg of my visit to Japan and didn‘t expect that much after all the wonderful experiences of the last few weeks. How wrong I was! And it wasn’t so much about Osaka and it‘s sights (don‘t get me wrong - they are truly impressive) but rather about Akari and her stories. It was like meeting an old friend and spending a couple of pleasant hours walking through town and enjoying some very good Korean food together. In a country where language is a barrier (unless you speak Japanese of course), Akari gave me some much wanted and appreciated insights into not only the history of Osaka (a city she dearly loves) but also the day to day life here in Japan.
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Akari Y.
Thank you so much for your warm and thoughtful message. I truly felt as if I were guiding an old friend, and I had such a wonderful time with you. It was as if we had known each other from long ago—even from a time before this life. I especially enjoyed sharing delicious Korean food with you and walking through Namba, where you listened attentively to the city's stories and joined in the fun with me. I was also very happy that you listened with such interest to the history and features of Osaka Castle. Your curiosity and openness made our time together even more enjoyable. I was deeply impressed by how much you understand and respect Japanese culture—it truly touched my heart. Even after you return home, I hope you can continue to enjoy the comfortable time you had here in Japan. I am sure that whenever you close your eyes, the vivid and happy memories of Japan will come back to you. Meeting someone like you reminds me of why I love being a guide. I am sincerely grateful for our encounter and hope our paths will cross again in the future. Next time we meet, I will welcome you with some Japanese natural wine specially prepared for the occasion!
Penny M.
“Fabulous Day”
Akari was fabulous. Our group included various ages and Akari was able to facilitate all needs. Thoroughly enjoyed the hike and the information she provided. Would happily recommend.
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Akari Y.
Thank you so much for your kind words. I’m glad everyone enjoyed the hike. We were fortunate with the weather—it was pleasantly cool and comfortable. I also really enjoyed our chat about Naruto. Wishing you a wonderful time ahead in Kyoto, Osaka, and Nara—enjoy the ninja experience, Animate, and it might be fun to stop by the Jump Shop at Daimaru Shinsaibashi PARCO in Osaka, where you can find lots of One Piece character goods.
$271/ per group
More tours by Akari Y.
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Halfday Private Tour Osaka castle & Gastronomy: A Street Food Expedition at Korean Town
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Private tour Osaka half day Osaka castle and Southern downtown of Osaka Namba Minami
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Kyoto’s Golden Pavilion, 2 Zen temples, Nishiki Market & Gion—experience it all in one day!
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Private tour Osaka half day Forest bathing Minoo Park Osaka
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Monkey park & Bamboo in Kyoto
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Mt. Atago: Spiritual Mountain Trekking Tour - A Journey into the Sacred Heart of Kyoto’s Mountains
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Kyoto Early Bird Trekking Ending with Ramen
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Kyoto back road trail/behide the major temples
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