Kurama-dera Temple (鞍馬寺)
4.5
A Buddhist temple whose origin dates back to 770 when Gantei (Jiàn zhēng) shonin, the leading disciple of the Chinese priest Ganjin (Jiàn zhēn) wajyo, enshrined a statue of Bishamonten (Vaisravana: the guardian god of Buddhism) here. Thereafter, in 796, Chief of Temple Construction Fujiwara no Isendo had an additional temple building constructed here enshrining a figure of Senju Kannon (Thousand-armed Buddhist Goddess of Mercy). The temple is known for its legends regarding a tengu (long-nosed goblin) and Ushiwakamaru (young Minamoto no Yoshitsune), and there are sites along the mountain trail leading to the inner sanctuary from behind the main temple building connected to him. The “path of 99 bends,” which famed author and court lady Sei Shonagon described as being “short yet long” in her Pillow Book, extends for approximately one kilometer between the main temple gate and the main temple building, but visitors may also ride a cable car up to the temple’s two tier pagoda. A renowned “power spot,” this popular site is visited by great numbers of people each year.
Kyoto Kyoutoshi Sakyou-ku Kuramahonchou 1074 (Kurama / Kibune / OharaArea)
[Opening hours for worship]9:00-16:30
[Reihoden]9:00-16:00
Review of Kurama-dera
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Details
- Address
- Kyoto Kyoutoshi Sakyou-ku Kuramahonchou 1074 [map]
- Phone
- 0757412003
- Hours
- [Opening hours for worship]9:00-16:30
[Reihoden]9:00-16:00 - Closed
- open everyday (Reihoden is Monday (The next day for Public holidays), 12/Dec.-Feb. Closed at the end)
- Fees
- [Aiyama expense] 300yen
[Reihoden Admission fee to worship] 200yen - Parking Lot
- Not available
- Credit Card
- Not available
Information Sources: NAVITIME JAPAN
Access
Kyoto Areas

Its wooden tea houses, shuffling geisha, and spiritual sights have seen Kyoto hailed as the heart of traditional Japan, a world apart from ultramodern Tokyo. Despite being the Japanese capital for over a century, Kyoto escaped destruction during World War II, leaving behind a fascinating history which can be felt at every turn, from the fully gold-plated Kinkakuji Temple down to traditional customs such as geisha performances and tea ceremonies, which are still practiced to this day.