Today’s excursion took us out of Kyoto and into the Kitayama Mountains, between the small villages of Kurama and Kibune. The walk passed through the grounds of Kurama-dera Temple, which sits high above the valley between the two settlements. It was a welcome escape from the noise of the city, with beautiful woodland scenery along the way.
Bring plenty of water and be prepared for a good number of steps. Walking sticks are available near the entrance and can provide useful support, particularly on uneven sections.
A few more impressions from the walk.
The statue of Kannon stands just beyond the entrance. Senju Kannon is commonly known as the Thousand-Armed Kannon, a Buddhist figure associated with compassion.
We were also lucky enough to spot a remarkably calm deer along the route.
The walk was a wonderful contrast to Kyoto’s busy streets: woodland, temple architecture and a sense of quiet that made the climb worthwhile.
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