Kyoto Hiking Tour: The Nature and Legends of Kurama and Kibune
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September 2026
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Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 82 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Kyoto Hiking Tour: The Nature and Legends of Kurama and Kibune worth booking?
Kyoto Hiking Tour: The Nature and Legends of Kurama and Kibune is a 8-hour experience in Kyoto, Japan, from $14000 per person. It scores 75 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 5/5 rating across 82 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 75 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (82)
- Duration
- 8 hours
- From
- $14000 per person
Step into the spiritual side of Kyoto with a guided hike through Mount Kurama a peaceful retreat where tradition and nature meet. Birthplace of reiki (a healing technique) and home to the mythical tengu, this mountain ho
What you get
About this experience
Step into the spiritual side of Kyoto with a guided hike through Mount Kurama a peaceful retreat where tradition and nature meet. Birthplace of reiki (a healing technique) and home to the mythical tengu, this mountain holds a magical charm that feels worlds away from the city. Walk through serene forest paths, discover hidden temples, and soak in the calm energy of the surroundings as you make your way to the quiet mountain village of Kibune, full of scenic beauty along the way. ・Leisurely hike from Kurama to Kibune through beautiful cedar forests ・Visit sacred temples and learn about reiki and local folklore ・Experience the peaceful charm of Kyoto’s mountain countryside
What's included
Included
- All fees and taxes
- Hotel Pick-Up & Drop-off (from Kyoto urban area and Kurama area)
- Entrance fees
- English Speaking Guide
- Photos of Tour Participants
Not included
- Lunch
- Private transportation
What you'll see and do
Yuki Shrine
Yuki Shrine was actually built in central Kyoto, but in 940 AD was moved to Kurama to protect the area from mysterious evil. One of the highlights of this mountainous shrine is an 800-year-old cedar tree which towers over the shrine at 53m tall.
20 minutes here · Admission included
The mountain is known as the birthplace of the holistic healing art called Reiki. In the early 1900s, the founder of Reiki, Mikao Usui, meditated for 21 days on this mountain and received the Reiki healing energy. Mikao Usui meditated near the top of the mountain at a site called Osugi Gongen, at the site of a great sacred tree said to be an incarnation of the god Maoson. Once you reached the mountain, you can sense positive chi surrounding you. As you stepped in the front door of the temple, you feel so comfortable spiritually and energetic physically. Somehow, you can link your spirit with the mountain, to soil beneath and the sky above you. It’s an excellent meditation experience just by walking around the mountain, maze of focus roots and the trees.
60 minutes here
Kurama-dera
After exploring Yuki Shrine, you will meander though the forest on a pleasant 25 minute walk to the most famous shrine of the area – Kuramadera. Founded in the 8th century, Kuramadera is dedicated to the worship of mountains and nature, and has an incredible view over the surrounding mountain ranges, especially in Autumn. See how many long-nosed tengu (guardians of the mountain) you can spot.
45 minutes here · Admission included
Okunoin Maoden
Nestled deep in the mountains is the Okunoin Maoden Temple. It is said to be where demons reign and has a very mysterious feeling about it.
10 minutes here · Admission included
Kifune Shrine
Kifune Shrine is considered a place for sailors to go to pray for luck on their voyages and is dedicated to the God of water and rain. There are places where you can drink the pure mountain water fresh from the source, and many little streams dotted around the shrine. If you come in summer, expect to be charmed by the wildflowers, but it is no less stunning shrouded in autumn colours, or pure white snow. Be sure to try the mizuura mikuji (water fortune telling paper) which your guide can translate for you.
30 minutes here · Admission included
Kifune Shrine
According to legend, a goddess traveled in a boat from Osaka all the way up the river into these mountains. This inner shrine of Kifune houses the boat it is said that she rode in.
25 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 5 minutes before departure.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 8 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Trip Designer Inc.
Know before you go
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 82 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Physical effort
6 mentionsExpect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
The guide
5 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
5 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Organization
4 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Photo opportunities
2 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Traveler reviews
82 verified traveler reviews for Kyoto Hiking Tour: The Nature and Legends of Kurama and Kibune. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Great experience!
Great hike with Yoshi. He was delightful and a terrific ambassador for his country.
Response from the operator: Dear valued guest, Thank you for discovering another side of Kyoto with us! We hope that you found the mountainous area of Kyoto to be peaceful and beautiful just like we do, and we are glad that Yoshi could help you discover it. We truly appreciate your feedback, and we hope to welcome you back to Japan again in the future! Best regards, Kyoko
via Tripadvisor
Grateful. Highly Recommend.
Etsuko Nakaba-san was a wonderful guide and support for my hike to this sacred place. She helped me to organize the trip itself, and I enjoyed spending time together, as she shared her insight, and deepened my experience. Am grateful. Highly recommend. Best to All
Response from the operator: Dear Eric, Thank you very much for your kind review! We’re delighted to hear that Etsuko made your hike meaningful and supportive, and that her insights helped deepen your experience of this sacred place. We truly appreciate your feedback, and we hope to welcome you back to Japan again in the future! Best regards, Kyoko
via Tripadvisor
Amazing tour out of the hustle and bustle
What an amazing day. Miki was knowledgeable and passionate and the location was incredible. Highly recommend.
Response from the operator: Dear valued guest, Thank you very much for joining our Kurama and Kibune Hiking Tour! We’re so glad to hear that you enjoyed the beautiful setting and that Miki’s knowledge and passion made the day so special. We truly appreciate your recommendation and hope to welcome you again on another visit to Kyoto! Best regards, Kyoko
via Tripadvisor
Family hike
Outstanding tour. Our guide was fantastic. We enjoyed every step of the way. Personable and professionall
Response from the operator: Dear valued guest, Thank you very much for joining our Kurama and Kibune Hiking Tour and for sharing your kind review! We’re delighted to hear that you and your family enjoyed the walk and that your guide made the experience both personable and professional. We truly appreciate your feedback and hope to welcome you again on a future visit! Best regards, Kyoko
via Tripadvisor
Hiking tour of Kurama and Kibune
This hiking tour was exceptional! It was beautiful and there is such a power energy on Mount Kurama! Our tour guide Etskumo was great! She was the sweetest lady ever! Easy to talk to and was taking care of our every need. She was knowledgeable and actually a pleasure to be around for our 8 hour tour. She had great patience other my three teenagers! We loved seeing the Shrine and Temple on such a magnificent mountain. It was a wonderful trip!
Response from the operator: Dear Justin, Thank you very much for joining our Kurama and Kibune Hiking Tour and for sharing your wonderful review! It’s lovely to hear that Etsuko’s kindness, knowledge, and attentive care made your full‑day hike so enjoyable. We’re so glad the experience meant so much to you, and we hope your next adventure in Japan is just as special! Best regards, Kyoko
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 8 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $14000 to $63000
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 29
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Why this scores 75
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Kyoto Hiking Tour: The Nature and Legends of Kurama and Kibune: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Kyoto.
How much does Kyoto Hiking Tour: The Nature and Legends of Kurama and Kibune cost?
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Prices start at $14000 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Kyoto usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Kyoto Hiking Tour: The Nature and Legends of Kurama and Kibune take?
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Plan for about 8 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Kyoto is not rushed.
Is Kyoto Hiking Tour: The Nature and Legends of Kurama and Kibune worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 75 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 82 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Kyoto, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Kyoto Hiking Tour: The Nature and Legends of Kurama and Kibune?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Kyoto Hiking Tour: The Nature and Legends of Kurama and Kibune suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 8-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Kyoto Hiking Tour: The Nature and Legends of Kurama and Kibune?
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Around 29 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Kyoto can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Kyoto and add a light layer if any part of the 8-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Kyoto Hiking Tour: The Nature and Legends of Kurama and Kibune start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Kyoto within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Kyoto?
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On Outty we rank every Kyoto experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Kyoto : Gion Make Your Own Chopsticks with Engraving Option, Award-Winning Authentic Ramen Making Experience in Kyoto, Hidden Kyoto E-Biking tour. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Kyoto?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Kyoto?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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