Kurama Temple

Kurama Temple

Kurama Temple is located in Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture, Japan. It serves as the head temple of Kurama Hongan and is known by the mountain name "Kurama Mountain" and the principal image "Sonten." It was founded by Priest Kanjo, who is said to have established the temple in 770 AD.

Kurama Temple once had many halls, but over the long course of history, it suffered repeated fires. Most of the current structures were reconstructed during the Showa period. It is said that Kurama was the place where Minamoto no Yoshitsune (known as Ushiwakamaru in his youth) trained, and the temple also gained fame through the novel "Kurama Tengu" by author Jiro Osaragi. The temple is also well known for its tengu (mountain goblin) legends and is revered as the guardian temple of the northeast, the demon gate direction of the capital. Within the temple grounds, there is a Natural Science Museum exhibition room that displays the flora, fauna, and minerals of Kurama Mountain. The temple also houses stone monuments inscribed with poems by the renowned Japanese poets Yosano Tekkan and Yosano Akiko, serving as a testament to its historical legacy.

Passing through the solemn Niomon Gate, the approximately one-kilometer winding path to the main hall offers beautiful natural scenery of the Kurama area. In spring, the dreamlike crimson Zuiju cherry blossoms, and in autumn, the panoramic view of vibrant red foliage across the mountains are considered the most breathtaking sights of Kurama Temple.

Kurama-dera

Must-visit reason: The most beautiful temple in Kyoto City

Continent where the attraction is located: Asia【Asia】

Country/Region where the attraction is located: Japan[Japan]

Province/State where the attraction is located: Kyoto Prefecture [Kyoto Prefecture]

City where the attraction is located: Kyoto City [Kyoto]