Kurama-dera Temple

Map

History & Origins

It began in 770 (the 1st year of Hoki) when the priest Kantei Shonin enshrined Bishamonten on a peak of Mt. Kurama. In 796, Fujiwara no Isehito then built the Senju Kannon hall. It is also well known as the place where Minamoto no Yoshitsune (Ushiwakamaru) trained as a monk from age 7 to 16, and the Yoshitsune-do is in the grounds. In 1949 it became independent from the Tendai school and founded the Kurama Kokyo sect.

Highlights

The main hall (Konjiki-do) stands partway up Mt. Kurama and is reached by an approach through cedar groves. Buddhist statues, including the National Treasure wooden standing statues of Bishamonten and Kichijoten, are kept in the treasure repository. Historic sites associated with Ushiwakamaru, such as the Yoshitsune-do and the Seikurabe-ishi (height-comparing stone), are scattered across the mountain.

Visitor Guide

From Kurama Station on the Eizan Electric Railway, it is about 30 minutes on foot or by the Kurama-yama cable car (200 yen one way). The main hall is open 9:00-16:15. The mountain entrance fee is 500 yen for adults. Because getting around the mountain involves steep paths, comfortable walking shoes are recommended.

Best Season

Fresh greenery (April-May) and autumn foliage (November) are especially beautiful, and in autumn the great cedars and colored maples along the approach create a stunning scene. The autumn festival in October is also worth seeing.

Blessings

Annual Events

• June

  Takekiri Eshiki (Bamboo Cutting Ceremony)

  A traditional event in which yamabushi mountain ascetics cut green bamboo in front of the main hall to divine the harvest and fortunes of the world.

• September

  Yoshitsune Sai (Yoshitsune Festival)

  A memorial service and festival commemorating Minamoto no Yoshitsune (Ushiwakamaru), who trained at Kuramadera.

Travel Plan

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