Kurama to Kibune Trail Walking Tour, Kyoto Japan – Summer 2025 – [4K HDR] With Captions

Kurama to Kibune Trail Walking Tour, Kyoto Japan – Summer 2025 – [4K HDR] With Captions

Walking tour
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Wednesday, 30th July 2025 – 9:40AM, 88°F/31°C Kurama Station Standing tall at the station entrance is the famed statue of Sōjōbō, the legendary King of the Tengu. This imposing figure with a long nose and powerful presence greets visitors, signifying Kurama as the spiritual domain of these protective yet mischievous mountain beings. Kuramadera Temple Niomon The Niomon Gate marks the entrance to Kurama’s sacred mountain trail and uniquely features guardian tigers (komatora) instead of lion-dogs, symbolizing the temple’s link to Bishamonten (deity). Yoshikura-Inari Kiichihogensha Kiichihōgensha honors Kiichi Hōgen, a legendary Heian-period strategist and founder of the Kyōhachi-ryū sword style. Known for his mastery of Rikuto-heiho tactics, the shrine is traditionally visited by people who seek improvement in martial arts —a nod to Kiichi’s legacy as both a warrior sage and strategic master. Spotting a deer at Kurama-dera’s forest is considered fairly rare—much rarer than in places like Nara Park or parts of rural Japan where deer are semi-domesticated. Yuki Shrine Founded in 940 AD, Yuki Shrine features a rare split worship hall rebuilt in 1607 and hosts the famous Kurama Fire Festival, one of Kyoto’s top three fire festivals, each October 22. Middle Gate Kuramadera Temple Founded in 770 AD by the monk Gantei under the patronage of
Emperor Konin. Folklore says warrior hero Minamoto no Yoshitsune trained in martial arts under Sōjōbō here, making the mountain a legendary site for samurai culture. Kuramadera Belfry The belfry at Kuramadera holds a large bronze temple bell, housed within an open wooden structure—a classic feature in Buddhist temples across Japan. These bells are traditionally struck at specific times for rituals or to signal the start and end of sacred ceremonies. Kinone-michi Kinone-michi, or “Tree Root Path,” the entangled roots of ancient cedar tree is steeped in legend —Minamoto no Yoshitsune (Ushiwakamaru) is said to have practiced his leaps here, training with mountain tengu, lending Kinone-michi a sense of mystical grit and timeless lore. Sojo-ga-tani Fudo-do Temple According to local lore, this valley—Sōjō-ga-dani—is where Minamoto no Yoshitsune first encountered Sōjōbō, the mythical Tengu King, marking the beginning of his legendary martial training. Kurama Temple Okunoin Maoden The Okunoin Maō-den, built in 1950, honors Maō-son, a deity believed to have descended from Venus 6.5 million years ago to bring salvation to Earth. Kibune River One of Kibune’s most celebrated features is kawadoko—riverside dining platforms built over the flowing creek. From June to September, you can enjoy kaiseki meals or flowing somen noodles while feeling the cool mountain breeze and hearing the river’s soothing sounds. You will see some kawadoko as we walk along the river. Lantern Stairs Kifune Shrine’s entrance features a stone staircase beautifully framed by rows of vibrant red lanterns. This striking sight has made it one of the most photographed and beloved scenes in Kyoto. There are 87 stone steps, each flanked by vermilion-lacquered kasuga-style lanterns. Kifune Shrine A sacred sanctuary over 1,300 years old and the head of more than 500 water shrines across Japan. Kifune Shrine – Rear Shrine Many consider the rear shrine (Okumiya) to be the most spiritual and powerful part of the entire Kifune Shrine complex. Thanks for watching Subscribe
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Discover the breathtaking Kurama to Kibune Trail in Kyoto, Japan, in this immersive 4K HDR walking tour with captions. Filmed on a peaceful summer morning in 2025, this video starts at Kurama Station, where you’re greeted by the iconic giant Tengu statue, symbolizing Kurama’s spiritual heritage. We begin our scenic mountain hike toward Kuramadera Temple’s Niomon Gate, and along the way, experience the rare and magical sight of a wild deer encounter in this serene forest setting.

The trail ascends through lush greenery, passing landmarks like Kiichihogensha Shrine, Yuki Shrine, the famous Tsuzura-ori zigzag path, Middle Gate, and Empress Teimei’s Grave. We explore sacred spots such as Tenporindo, Kuramadera Temple, Byobuzakanojizodo, Kuramadera Belfry, and the enchanting Root Path (Kinone-michi) lined with towering cedar trees. Descending toward Kibune, we visit Sōjō-ga-tani Fudo-do Temple before reaching the beautiful Kibune River.

The journey continues up the lantern-lined steps of Kifune Shrine, then follows the riverside road past unique restaurants built over the river—a summer dining tradition popular with visitors who have reservations. We finish at Kifune Shrine Okumiya (Rear Shrine), completing this spiritual hike through Kyoto’s mystical mountains.

Perfect for travelers, hikers, and Japan lovers, this walking video offers stunning scenery, temple history, and a calming nature escape with captions available for added context.

Chapters…
0:00 – Preview
2:32 – Tour route
3:07 – Kurama Station
7:15 – Kuramadera Temple Niomon
15:26 – Yoshikura-Inari
16:51 – Kiichihogensha
19:36 – Deer sighting
21:03 – Yuki Shrine
32:55 – Middle Gate
46:26 – Kuramadera Temple
51:54 – Kuramedera Belfry
1:05:06 – Kinone-michi
1:16:38 – Sojo-ga-tani Fudo-do Temple
1:24:38 – Kurama Temple Okunoin Maoden
1:43:25 – Kibune River
1:46:40 – Lantern Stairs
1:48:58 – Kifune Shrine
2:07:48 – End of tour (Kifune Shrine – Rear Shrine)