Kurama-dera Temple — Mountain Fire Festival Temple

Published: Jun 2, 2026

Updated: Jun 2, 2026

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Kurama-dera Temple — Mountain Fire Festival Temple

Kurama-dera Temple (鞍馬寺) sits atop Mt. Kurama (570m) in northern Kyoto, accessible by cable car or a scenic 30-minute forest hike through ancient cedar trees. The temple is headquarters of the Kurama-Kokyo sect of Buddhism and is famous for the Kurama Fire Festival (鞍馬の火祭, October 22) — one of Kyoto's three most unique festivals where villagers parade with massive burning torches through narrow streets.

The temple's main hall houses a cosmic deity unique to this sect, and the grounds include Okunoin Shrine at the summit. A hiking trail connects Kurama to Kibune Shrine (90 minutes), passing through dense forest and mountain streams.

Opening Hours

9:00 AM – 4:30 PM

Closed: Open year-round

Entrance Fee

¥300 entry | Cable car: ¥200 one-way (or free 30-min hike)

Best Season

Autumn (November, mountain maple foliage) | October 22 (Fire Festival) | Spring (May, fresh forest green)

Visit Duration

2–3 hours (temple + cable car) | 4–5 hours (Kurama-Kibune hike)

Getting There

Access Information

1074 Kurama Honmachi, Sakyo Ward. 30-min Eizan Railway from Demachiyanagi Station to Kurama Station. Entry: ¥300. Cable car: ¥200 one-way (or free 30-min hike). Temple open 9:00–16:30. Kurama Fire Festival: October 22 annually.

Insider Guide

Premium

**Kurama-Kibune hike:** The mountain trail from Kurama-dera over the summit to Kibune Shrine (90 minutes one-way, moderate difficulty) is one of Kyoto's best forest hikes. The path passes through ceda