A walk in Kyoto

Kurama to Kibune trail

鞍馬から貴船へ

Start by 10 am · River dining decks May 1 to Sep 30

2.6 km, about 3 h, 6 stops from Kurama Station. Every stop with its Japanese name and what to look for.

Start Kurama Station

Kurama-dera Niōmon鞍馬寺仁王門
The gate was rebuilt in 1911. From here, a steep path climbs, or a short cable car.
Yuki Shrine由岐神社
Home of the Kurama Fire Festival. Its prayer hall was rebuilt by Toyotomi Hideyori.
Kurama-dera Main Hall鞍馬寺本殿金堂
The main hall. Behind it, the forest trail over the ridge to Kibune begins.
Ki-no-ne michi木の根道
Cedar roots cross the path in knots: hard rock below stops them growing down.
Maōden魔王殿
A small hall by a sacred rock, where a mountain spirit is said to have come down.
Kifune Shrine貴船神社本宮
Shrine to the god of water. Lay a fortune paper on the spring and the words appear.

Paths can be steep or slippery, and places close or change their hours. Check before you go.

Plan the rest

Sources

Our summary of the sources below, checked Nov 9, 2026