Kyoto: Kurama to Ohara Mountain Temples & Countryside Tour

If you’re seeking a day away from the bustling streets of Kyoto, a tour exploring the city’s mountain temples and rural countryside offers a peaceful retreat full of spiritual sights, lush nature, and local charm. This Kurama to Ohara Mountain Temples & Countryside Tour promises an authentic glimpse into the spiritual heart of Kyoto, blending gentle hikes, temple visits, and scenic village strolls.

What makes this experience stand out is its combination of cultural storytelling, forest hiking, and rural tranquility — all within an accessible day trip. You’ll visit iconic spots like Kurama-dera with tales of tengu spirits, hike through woodlands to Kibune, and finish with moss-covered gardens in Ohara. One thing to keep in mind: the tour involves moderate walking and outdoor time, so sturdy shoes are a must.

Ideal for those who love nature, culture, and authentic temples, this tour suits travelers wanting a meaningful day outside the usual tourist spots. It’s especially recommended for those comfortable with some hiking and looking to discover a quieter, more traditional side of Kyoto.

Key Points

• Unique mix of spiritual and natural beauty with visits to sacred temples and scenic hikes.
• Moderate hiking through forest trails offers both exercise and tranquility.
• Cultural stories at Kurama-dera bring local legends and history alive.
• Riverside experience at Kibune includes a relaxing tea break and shrine visit.
• Moss gardens in Sanzen-in showcase Ohara’s rural charm and serenity.
• Private group tour ensures a personalized experience with flexible timing.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Introduction: What to Expect from This Tour

This tour is designed for those who want to see a different side of Kyoto—away from the crowded temples and city streets. You’ll start at Kyoto Station, then head into the mountains to explore Kurama-dera, a temple famous for stories of tengu spirits and samurai. The guide’s storytelling adds a layer of folklore that makes the visit more engaging.

From there, the journey continues with a hike through lush forest trails leading to the charming village of Kibune. Expect peaceful views, small shops, and the chance to visit Kifune Shrine, which is perched right along the riverbank. The riverside tea break allows you to relax and soak in the rural atmosphere before heading to Ohara Valley. Here, the highlight is the moss gardens of Sanzen-in Temple, which are stunningly beautiful and very well-preserved.

One notable aspect is the blend of spiritual discovery and outdoor activity. While the price of around $762 per person might seem steep, it covers transportation, meals, and guided storytelling, providing a comprehensive, stress-free experience. Just be prepared for some walking and outdoor exposure—this isn’t a tour for anyone with mobility issues or those expecting a purely sightseeing-only day.

The Itinerary in Detail

Starting at Kyoto Station

Your day begins conveniently at Kyoto Station, where you’ll meet your guide and board transportation that takes you into the mountains. The actual journey involves a short guided walk around the area, setting the tone for a day immersed in nature and spirituality.

Exploring Kurama-dera Temple

The first stop: Kurama-dera, a revered mountain temple with a history that stretches back centuries. The guide shares local stories about tengu spirits—mythical, mischievous goblin-like creatures—and their ties to the temple’s legends. You’ll appreciate how this adds an engaging folklore layer to the visit, making it more than just a sightseeing stop.

The temple itself sits on a hillside, offering sweeping views of the surrounding forests. The walk around the complex reveals traditional architecture, sacred artifacts, and peaceful courtyards, perfect for quiet reflection or photo opportunities. Reviewers note that the stories provided by guides like “a Japanese guide named Yuki” bring the history to life, adding depth to what could otherwise be a straightforward visit.

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Forest Hike Toward Kibune

After exploring Kurama-dera, you’ll set out on a moderate hike through forest trails that wind through the mountain landscape. This segment, approximately 2 hours, is about experiencing Kyoto’s woodland beauty—not a strenuous climb but enough to feel immersed in nature.

We loved the way the guide pointed out different flora and explained the significance of various trees, enhancing the experience. Expect to see peaceful streams, moss-covered rocks, and maybe even spot local wildlife. The hike culminates in the picturesque village of Kibune, a place famous for its small riverside eateries and traditional streets.

Visiting Kifune Shrine and Riverside Tea

In Kibune, you’ll visit Kifune Shrine, a small but historic site dedicated to the deity of water and rain, perched right along the river. The shrine’s bright red torii gates and scenic location make it a picture-perfect spot.

Following the shrine visit, a riverside tea break offers a calm moment in nature. Expect a traditional setting with regional tea and snacks, allowing you to enjoy the gentle sounds of the river and the cool mountain air. Reviewers mention that this quiet pause is a highlight for those wanting a break from busy sightseeing and to savor local culture.

Moving to Ohara and Sanzen-in Temple

Next, you’ll travel by bus through scenic countryside to Ohara Valley, a peaceful rural area known for its moss gardens and rural charm. Once there, the visit to Sanzen-in Temple is a highlight. The temple’s famous moss gardens are meticulously maintained, offering a lush, almost otherworldly landscape perfect for photos and reflection.

Guides highlight that Sanzen-in’s architecture and gardens embody the tranquility of rural Japan, making it ideal for a calming, meditative experience. Reviewers have shared that the gardens are “immaculately kept,” and the overall rural atmosphere gives a sense of stepping back in time.

Countryside Dinner & Return to Kyoto

The final part of the day includes a countryside temple dinner, a regional meal that offers insight into local flavors and ingredients. Expect dishes that complement the peaceful, rural setting. Afterward, you’ll board the coach back to Kyoto Station, ending your day around 7:00 to 8:00 pm.

Transportation & Practicalities

Transportation is well-organized, with train tickets included for the initial and final segments, along with bus transfers in between. The tour is entirely guided in English and Japanese, which helps clarify cultural and historical details.

The total duration of 8 hours makes it a full but manageable day—covering a lot of ground while allowing enough time at each stop. The group size is private, meaning a more personalized experience, and reviews mention that guides like “Yuki” are knowledgeable and friendly, adding genuine warmth to the trip.

What’s Included & What You Need to Know

The cost covers guide services, transportation, a picnic lunch, and a countryside dinner, which makes the price seem more justified considering the all-in planning. However, entrance fees to temples such as Kurama-dera and Sanzen-in are not included, so be prepared for a small extra expense.

Travelers should wear sturdy shoes as the hike involves uneven forest trails, and bring weather-appropriate clothing since the tour runs rain or shine. The experience isn’t suited for children under 10, mainly due to the moderate physical activity involved.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Worth It?

This tour offers a meaningful way to connect with Kyoto’s spiritual and natural landscape in one day. It’s perfect for travelers who appreciate moderate outdoor hikes, local folklore, and rural scenery. The inclusion of stories and cultural insights makes it more engaging than a simple temple visit, offering a layered experience.

While the price might seem high, it reflects the comprehensive nature of the day—covering transportation, guided storytelling, and regional meals. If you’re looking for a peaceful escape that balances cultural learning with outdoor activity, this tour delivers in spades.

It’s particularly suited for adults or older teens who enjoy walking and are interested in authentic Japanese mountain temples and countryside life. Those seeking a comprehensive, guided experience with a personal touch will find it to be a worthwhile investment.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
No, it isn’t recommended for children under 10 due to the moderate hiking involved and the outdoor nature of the experience.

Does the tour include transportation?
Yes, train tickets to Kurama and Kibune, along with bus transfers to Ohara, are included, making travel seamless.

Are entrance fees to temples covered?
No, entrance fees to places like Kurama-dera and Sanzen-in are not included, so plan to pay these separately.

What should I wear?
Comfortable, sturdy shoes are essential for the forest hikes, and weather-appropriate clothing is recommended since the tour runs rain or shine.

How long is the total tour?
The whole experience lasts approximately 8 hours, from the meeting point at Kyoto Station until return.

Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and you have the option to reserve now and pay later for added flexibility.

To sum it up, this Kurama to Ohara Mountain Temples & Countryside Tour offers a well-rounded day of scenic hikes, spiritual visits, and rural charm. It’s ideal for those wanting to see a quieter, traditional side of Kyoto, with the bonus of storytelling that brings the sites to life. Expect peaceful landscapes, cultural insights, and a chance to step back from the city’s hustle for a truly authentic experience.

You can check availability for your dates here: