Kurama & Kibune

Kurama and Kibune, located on the Kurama Line of the Eizan Electric Railway, are tucked away in the northern part of the Rakuhoku area.

Kurama is home to Kurama-dera Temple, famous for being the setting of a legend about the 12th century warrior Minamoto no Yoshitsune. According to the story, during his childhood (when he was known as Ushiwakamaru) this is where he trained with a tengu—a legendary long-nosed demon. Every year on October 22, the Kurama Fire Festival—one of Kyoto’s three most unusual festivals—takes place at Yuki-jinja Shrine on Mount Kurama.

Kawadoko, or river platforms, are a specialty of the restaurants lining the Kibune River. In summer, many people come here to enjoy the delicacies of Kyoto while staying cool in the lower temperatures over the clear water. Kifune-jinja Shrine, dedicated to the god of water, is another well-known tourist attraction in Kibune. It is also revered as a place to gain good luck in matchmaking.