What this area is like
North of the city, Ohara’s Sanzen-in sits in a farming valley, while Kurama-dera and Kifune Shrine share a forested mountain linked by a hiking path.
Pick one valley for a half day; allow a full day for both.
Choose your next step
Places to see in this area
Sanzen-in Temple
The best-known temple in Ohara, a farming valley in the hills north of Kyoto. It has moss gardens, hydrangeas in early summer and maples in autumn.
- Access
- Kyoto Bus 17 from stop C3 in front of Kyoto Station takes about an hour to Ohara. From the Ohara stop it is about 10 minutes on foot.
- Hours
- March to 7 December: 8:30–17:00. 8 December to February: 9:00–16:30. Open every day.
- Fee
- Adults ¥700.
- Address
- 540 Raigoin-cho, Ohara, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto
The bus ride is long, so leave Kyoto early. Hosen-in and Jakko-in are within walking distance if you have time for a second temple.
Kurama-dera Temple
A mountain temple reached by a long climb through cedar forest above the village of Kurama.
- Access
- About 3 minutes on foot from Kurama Station (Eizan Railway, from Demachiyanagi) to the Nio-mon gate. From the gate to the main hall is about 30 minutes on foot; a short cable car shortens the climb.
- Hours
- 9:00–16:15. The Reihoden museum is open 9:00–16:00 and closed Tuesdays and from 12 December to the end of February.
- Fee
- Mountain entry (aizan-hi) ¥500. Cable car ¥200 one way for adults. Reihoden ¥200. Cash only.
- Address
- 1074 Kurama Honmachi, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto
You can walk on over the mountain and down to Kibune; allow around two hours and wear proper shoes.
Kifune Shrine
A shrine to the god of water in a narrow, cool valley. The lantern-lined stone steps to the main hall are its best-known view.
- Access
- From Kibuneguchi Station (Eizan Railway), take Kyoto Bus 33 for about 5 minutes to Kibune, then walk about 5 minutes. Walking from the station takes about 30 minutes (2 km).
- Hours
- May to November 6:00–20:00; December to April 6:00–18:00. Amulet office 9:00–17:00. Hours are extended during light-up events.
- Fee
- No admission fee.
- Address
- 180 Kurama Kibune-cho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto
Try the water fortune slip (mizu-ura mikuji): the writing appears when you float the paper on the spring. In summer, restaurants along the stream serve meals on platforms over the water (kawadoko).
How to plan your time here
- Ohara and Kurama–Kibune are in different valleys. Choose one for a half-day trip, or give a full day to both.
- For Kurama and Kibune, ride the Eizan Railway from Demachiyanagi, climb Kurama-dera, cross the mountain on foot and finish with lunch or tea in Kibune.
Information checked 26 October 2026. Plans are JapaLens editorial suggestions, not on-site reviews. Hours and fees can change; check the official page before you go.