Kurama Kibune
Kurama & Kibune 鞍馬と貴船
Overview
The mountain village of Kurama is located deep in the northern mountains of Kyoto City. From downtown, though, it is a comfortable one hour ride up. For those riding from Kitayama it is a mere 30 minutes.
A narrow winding road heads up from Kitayama into the valley that lies between Kumogahata and Ohara.
Its main attractions are the clean air, hiking, and the two towns at the top.
Kurama in particular has many beautiful traditional homes.
Kurama is best known for its annual Fire Festival, the Kurama Hi Matsuri, which takes place every October 22.
The festival is held at Yuki Jinja Shrine and iis thought to reenact a scene of receiving a deity that had travelled from the Imperial Palace to the village.
At 6 pm, fires are lit in front of the village houses. After these "kagaribi" are lit, people with small and large pine torches parade through the town.
One of the highlights of the festival is the 250 three-meter tall pine torches. As with other festivals, there are portable shrines that are carried through the town.
Historically, these mountains are where the legendary two-meter tall Benkei is believed to have trained. Benkei (1155 - 1189) was a warrior famed for his prowess with the sword. At Kyoto's Gojo Bridge, just south of downtown, he fought and defeated 999 passing samurai, claiming their swords.
In the 1000th duel, however, he was defeated by Minamoto no Yoshitsune, the son of a famous warlord. Benkei then became Yoshitune's retainer and fought together with him.
In the village of Kurama of itself is Kyoto City's only hot spring. It lies a short ride north of the village.
Kibune is a small village a ten-minute ride from Kurama. It is located in a deep forest of cedar trees.
The town's shrine, Kibune Shrine, was established before the city of Kyoto. The entrance is a long stone staircase with vermillion lanterns.
Kibune is also known for its summer dining. In the scorching months of summer, Kyotoites flock to Kibune to dine on decks (kawadoko) above a narrow mountain stream. It is a fabulous experience.
Getting to the Starting Point
The road up to Kurama is via Kitayama and then follows Route 40.
Directions
From City Hall, ride north on Kawaramachi Dori until you get to Imadegawa. Continue one block and turn right. Cross the bridge. Now on this side of the river, ride down and along the river until the Family Court building comes into view on the right. Follow this street until Kitayama Dori. Turn left. At the first major intersection, turn right and head north on Kurama Highway.
Total Riding Time
3-4 hours round-trip.
More Information
Kurama Onsen
Hours: 10 am - 9 pm. Telephone: 075 741 2131
Entrance Fee: 1,100 yen for adults. 700 yen for chlildren aged 4 - 12.
Kibune Shrine
On the left side of the village as you head up. Telephone: 075 741 2016
Entrance Fee: free
Map
Kurama and Kibune Route
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