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
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Elizabeth F.
“Great guide with insight on the local history”
Akari took me on a great walking tour of the areas of Osaka that aren't as popular with tourists. She even knew where all the Kpop shops were, so if you are interested in that, she is perfect! She also knows all the history, which I liked a lot. I enjoyed her tour immensely.
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Akari Y.
It was perfect timing that we were able to see the cherry blossoms at Osaka Castle—it made the day even more memorable. I really enjoyed how open you were to trying new foods, even ones you had never had before—it made the experience even more special for me. I was also very happy to see your genuine interest in Osaka’s history and Toyotomi Hideyoshi. As someone who truly loves history, it meant a lot to me to share that with you—it was very rewarding as a guide. It was such a lovely moment spending time together at my local park and seeing you connect so naturally with the local people there. Those are the kinds of genuine experiences I truly value. And of course, exploring the K-pop spots together was so much fun! Thank you for such a wonderful time—I hope we can meet again someday.
Joe L.
“She is very nice, smart, friendly and a pleasure to work with”
Akari was so nice to go on a tour with. Her customer service is the best of any tour guide that I have ever used. She was so accomodating and helpful. She has a wonderful personality and I highly suggest you book with her with full confidence. She will cater a tour to your exact interests and will make suggestions to help shape your tour to be exactly what you need. I had a great tour with her and you will too!
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Akari Y.
Thank you so much for your kind and thoughtful message. I truly appreciate your warm words—they mean a lot to me. It was a great pleasure spending the day with you and your family in Kyoto. I’m so glad we could visit Kitano Tenmangu Shrine, Kenninji Temple, Gion, and Maruyama Park together, along with the Five-Storied Pagoda of Hokanji Temple, Ninenzaka, and Nene-no-Michi. Since we had a private charter, I’m very happy that we were able to explore all these places at a comfortable and relaxed pace without feeling rushed. Your kindness and positive energy made the tour very special for me as well. I truly enjoyed our time together. I hope the rest of your trip in Japan was wonderful, and I would be delighted to guide you again if you visit in the future. Thank you again for choosing me as your guide.
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.
$287/ per group
More tours by Akari Y.
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Kyoto Early Bird Trekking Ending with Ramen
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Kyoto: Bamboo, Mountains and Markets [8 hours]
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Kyoto: Bamboo, Mountains and Markets [8 hours]
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Kyoto back road trail/behide the major temples
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