Ohara
Ohara 大原
Overview
Ohara, in the far north of Kyoto city, is a quaint village nestled in the mountains that ring the city.
It is blessed with one fabulous temple and many maple trees, making it one of the most beautiful places to visit, especially in autumn.
Sanzenin Temple rests on the edge of the mountains that separate Kyoto from Shiga Prefecture. It has many buildings and gardens, and can be strolled comfortably at any time of year.
The temple was established at the beginning of the Heian Period (794-1185 C.E.) by Saicho, founder of the Tendai sect of Japanese Buddhism.
Following a turn off of the road up from Kitayama - Route 367 - a narrow local road leads you past old farm houses and finally to the temple itself. It is well marked by a sign over head. This is perhaps the hardest climb of the trip.
After parking the bike near the foot of stone steps, it is a short climb on foot up the stone steps leading to the temple entrance. Along here are many shops on the left of this path. Many local items are on sale. The area is famous for its cucumbers that are pickled in seaweed flavored ice water then served on a stick. And on a hot day they are divine.
Also close by are Raigoin Temple, and Otonashi no Taki (no sound falls), a beautiful waterfalls about 15 - 20 minutes on foot up the hill from Sanzenin. For serious hikers, it is possible to follow the trail to Mount Hiei (a sign posted said it would take four hours).
Raigoin is a five-minute walk up a slope from Sanzenin. It is quieter and less visited than the more famous temple below. It was founded in the middle of the ninth century.
For those with time, a 15 minute ride to the other side of the valley brings Jakkoin Temple. Also a member of the Tendai Sect, it was severely damaged in 2000 in a horrific act of arson.
Getting to the Starting Point
Starting at City Hall, ride up Kawaramachi Dori until Demachiyanagi. Cross the Kamo River, then head north on Shimogamo Hon Dori until you get to Kitayama Dori. Turn right onto Kitayama Dori. Immediately after crossing the Takano River, turn left onto Route 367.
Directions
The map below is the most direct route. For those looking for a more car-free or attractive route, take the Kamo River from Demachiyanagi.
Another point: north of Yase on Route 367 as you are climbing, turn left off of 367 and take a local street - the same route Kyoto buses follow - to avoid a tunnel. It is possible to continue on Route 367 and ride through the tunnel, but it is dark and narrow.
Total Riding Time
It will take about two hours to get to Ohara from central Kyoto, and about 90 minutes on the way back down.
Places of Interest
Sanzenin Temple
075 744 2531
8:30 to 17:30 (until 16:30 December to February)
Jakkoin Temple
075 744 2545
Public Bath
Entrance Fee: 420 yen
Map
Kyoto Ohara Area Route
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