Kurama is a mountain located to the north of Kyoto. On Mt. Kurama, Kurama Temple was built in 770, before Kyoto became the capital of Japan.

From the entrance of Kurama Temple, steep stone steps continue up the mountain.
Kurama Temple operates a Cable Car for easy access.

Yuki Shrine is on the way to the Kurama Temple.
Originally, the shrine was located at the Imperial Palace in downtown Kyoto. In the early part of the tenth century, rebellions happened against the Imperial Court. Also, earthquakes occured in Kyoto a couple of times. In order to be removed from these disasters, Emperor SUZAKU moved Yuki Shrine to this location in 940.

After 20minutes of walking, you will arrive at the Main Hall of Kurama Temple. Unfortunately, Kurama Temple suffered from fires a couple of times, and the Main Hall has been rebuilt recently. But, the view from the Main Hall is spectacular.

One of the topics of Kurama Temple is a story of MINAMOTO NO Youshitsune, 1159 - 1189.
MINAMOTO NO Youshitsune was a younger brother of MINAMOTO NO Yoritomo, who began his government in 1185. The government was for local clans and MINAMOTO NO Yoritomo became the leader of those clans after defeating TAIRA families. MINAMONO NO Yoshitune fought against TAIRA families as the top commander of Yoritomo's army. However, soon after MINAMOTO NO Yoritomo began his government, Yoshitune was killed by Yoritomo.

This story is well known to Japanese and many Japanese feel strong sympathy for Yoshitune.
When Yoshitsune was a child, he stayed at the Kurama Temple to get strenuous training.

On the road from the Main Hall to the top of the mountain, roots of trees are shown on the ground. This road is called "Kinone Michi". It is said Yoshitune did battle training every night in this place.
You will feel a solemn atmosphere at Okuno-In Hall.

From Okuno-In Hall, you can go down from Mt. Kurama to the west. On the west side of Mt. Kurama, Kifune Shrine is located.

Kifune Shrine also has a long history.
The record says the main building of Kifune Shrine was rebuilt in 666.

How to get there
Kurama Temple is located to the north of Kyoto city. Take an Eizan Railway Kurama Line to Kurama Station.
Approximately a five minute walk from Kurama Station to the main gate of Kurama Temple. Another 20 to 25 minute walk from the main Gate to the Main Hall.

Other Historical Sites near by:
Rokuonji Temple (Golden Pavilion)
Shisendo
Kamigamo Shrine