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Kurama
Kurama
and Kibune offer a great chance to get out of
the city, see some nature and enjoy the fresh
air of the mountains.
Kurama also boasts the onsen (volcanic hot spring bath) closest to the city of Kyoto, and is therefore a prime attraction for Kyotoites.
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A Japanese maple in the onsen garden stands in striking contrast with the lush greenery on the opposing mountain. |
Although it was a little dodgy bringing my camera into the bathing area, I felt I had to try to capture the breathtaking view one gets to take in while soaking in the hot spring.
Set high in the mountains North of Kyoto, the Kurama Onsen is nestled in amongst the lush foliage around Kurama town. Sitting in the steaming hot spring bath and watching the liquid motion of the evergreens swaying in the wind is utter bliss. The open air bath looks out directly at the face of the opposite mountain, which is home to Kurama-dera.
Luckily, as a result of my well honed knowledge of Japanese customs (thanks to watching Mr. Baseball), I remembered to bathe before plunging into the main bath. Armed only
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Kurama town is wedged in between two mountains, and is the very last stop on the Eizen train line which heads North out of the city. |
with a microscopic towel supplied for the sake of modesty, I boldly faced my first communal bath (separated by sex, at least). Luckily, Japanese are even better than Torontonians at pretending they don't notice you, so I was able to escape the affair with pride intact.
After soaking for as long as we could bear, we suited ourselves up for the hike up the mountain.
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Kurama is home to Kurama-dera, a temple which is now the sole home of a bizarre Buddhist sect/cult which worships Sonten, a many armed deity from Venus (of course).
The trek to Kibune from Kurama spans about two kilometers as the crow flies, but goes directly over a mountain in the process. Kurama-dera is on the peak of the mountain, at an elevation of about 850m.
The mountains are packed with gorgeous temples, shrines, and ancient cedars. Check out more pictures below for all the sights along to hike over the mountain.
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The approach on the Kurama side of the mountain is full of beautiful gardens and dense forest. |
This ancient, moss covered stone gate stands over the entrance of one of the many shrines on this side of the mountain. |
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An amazing panoramic view from the top of the mountain. |
Kurama temple itself is a bit of an anticlimax after so much stunning scenery, but is a fantastic excuse to go on the hike. |
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Near the top of the mountain, the exposed roots of the old cedar trees are quite a sight. |
The copper roof of one of Kurama temples outbuildings. |
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The far side of the mountain is dotted with an assortment of tiny shrines... |
...which are all wrapped in shrouds emblazoned with the emblem of the Kurama-Kokyo sect. |
From here we came out of the other side to Kibune town...check it out!