Once at Mount Kurama I understand a pedestrian trail links into Kibune
To my understanding, the trail starts not far from the Kibune bus station, on the other side of the river, and can be reached by taking a small red bridge. ( west gate, **Nishi-mon**, is near the entrance to the temple.
* From there, a “rough” climb starts toward a centuries-old forest of huge cedar trees. (about 1 hour of hiking and exploring shrines The hike ends by the main hall of the temple, overlooking the surrounding mountains, then continues to Yuki Shrine by going down to the center of Kurama.
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*Questions/confirming of my understanding:*
If we are arriving by Eizan Line from Demachiyanagi Station to Kibune-guchi in order to get to Kibune (city center) and e*xplore the town this is either by bus or a 25-minute walk (I think?)* (Is the walk referred to in the abrupt climb bypassed by bus? or is this a totally different walk? \*also, is the walk truly 25 minutes, multiple sources quote an hour?
How do I get to the Kibune bus station from the last “train stop” ?
Is it safe to do this hike with a toddler (in a hiking carrier) I have 0 hiking experience with her but tons alone? This is her first venture (if at all) If it’s going to be too rough for even me to handle should this be an activity we have grandma watch the toddler? I’m pretty confident my older kids (9 and 12) can handle it regardless (at least I think so). If the hike into Kibune isn’t recommended with a little is there a bypass to the hike?
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Should we start at Kurama and then hike into the city or the inverse?
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Do various things close super early in the city (should we pack snacks just in case for hungry kids)?
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The cable cars ( I remember from years ago) bypassed some hiking but I believe they only get you partially through to Kurama then there’s a small hike. If we opt for the cable cars how can we then continue on into Kibune (or vice versa)
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What time should we aim for leaving Kibune/Kurma to make sure we make it back into gion district (buses, times running etc\*)
2 comments
I will doing this soon, so I am interested in the responses that you get.
1. Since Kurama Onsen is AWOL, there is absolutely no point starting in Kibune. On the other hand, there are plenty of good reasons to finish in Kibune, including good restaurants and the fact that Kifune-jingu does close very late.
2. This is a 2-3 hour hike for decent hiker, not very long, not difficult, but your hate affairs with steps in Japan will continue. You will hate hiking with a carrier.
3. If you bring your kids with you, you probably should not do plan morning activities. Kurama-dera closes at a specific hour and no one will wait for you.
4. If you bring your kids, note that their is plenty of wildlife around, including wild boars, deer, monkeys. They should be aware that they should not come close.
5. While this person has done it Kibune to Kurama – this is nonetheless a fairly good guide – https://crafttabby.com/explore/kibune-kurama