Indulge in Kyoto's Hidden Gems in the "Kibune & Kurama" Area

Rakuhoku, as the northern part of Kyoto is known, was the area chosen in ancient times to locate the imperial villa and the location where emperors would retire to. Many artisans and practitioners of traditional arts have also gathered in Rakuhoku, creating a sophisticated ambience. With many universities nearby, the district is filled with imaginative shops, cafes and bookstores, and is also well known as an area where ramen shops compete furiously for customers. Because there are few tourists, those who truly know Kyoto love Rakuhoku for its tranquility and rarely divulge its existence to others.

Travel Schedule

Business hours are subject to change, and you are advised to check the official website before visiting.

Kyoto Station ⇓

9:00 Depart from JR Kyoto Station
Station Loop Bus (10 minutes)
Keihan Shichijo Station

10 minutes on foot

Keihan Demachiyanagi Station
transfer
Eiden Demachiyanagi Station

  • 09:30

Kirara/Momiji Tunnel

Kirara/Momiji Tunnel
Kirara/Momiji Tunnel
Kirara/Momiji Tunnel
Kirara/Momiji Tunnel
Kirara/Momiji Tunnel
Kirara/Momiji Tunnel
Kirara/Momiji Tunnel
Kirara/Momiji Tunnel

Between Ichihara and Ninose Stations on the Eiden Kurama Line is a section of track known as the Momiji Tunnel. About 280 maple trees have been planted over a 250-meter interval, creating a tunnel of green maple trees at the start of summer that turns brilliant colors in fall. The tunnel is particularly magnificent when viewed from a car, and in autumn, illumination at night turns the tunnel into an evening wonder.

⇓

Eiden (30 minutes)
Eiden Kurama Station

Cable Car

30 minutes on foot

  • 10:30

Kurama-dera Temple

Kurama-dera Temple
Kurama-dera Temple
Kurama-dera Temple
Kurama-dera Temple
Kurama-dera Temple
Kurama-dera Temple
Kurama-dera Temple
Kurama-dera Temple

Built in the year 770, Kurama-dera Temple has an exceptionally long history and houses National Treasures and other important cultural assets. Located among natural surroundings on Mount Kurama, the temple is famous for the changing colors of its trees in fall.

Address:
1074 Kurama Hon-machi, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto
Visiting hours:
9:00 a.m. to 4:15 p.m
  • 12:00

Lunch

⇓

Eiden Kurama Station
Bus 5 minutes

  • 13:00

Kibune Shrine

Kibune Shrine
Kibune Shrine
Kibune Shrine
Kibune Shrine
Kibune Shrine
Kibune Shrine
Kibune Shrine
Kibune Shrine

This shrine is dedicated to the god of water. It is also the birthplace of writing wishes and of votive horse tablets. The lanterns and arching autumn trees along the stone stairway leading to the shrine create a mystical air in the evening when everything is lit up.

Address:
180 Kurama Kibune-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture
Visiting hours:
6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. (until 6:00 p.m. from December through April. Good luck charms, fortunes and stamps: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.)
URL:
  • In The Area
    Branch arrow

Kinone Michi (Recommended for travelers who are trekking)

Kinone Michi
Kinone Michi

The KURAMA & KIBUNE area is a popular destination for hiking. One well-walked route starts at Kurama Station and goes to Kurama-dera Temple. From there, the route passes along a path known as Kinone Michi to Kifune-jinja Shrine before ending at Kibuneguchi Station. As most of the path is maintained and the hike is gentle, the two-hour walk is popular even among novice hikers.

⇓

Kyoto bus Kibune (5 minutes) – Kyoto bus Kibunegushi

Eiden Kibunegushi Station (20 minutes) – Eiden Ichijoji Station

15 minutes on foot

  • 15:00

Shisen-do Temple

Shisen-do Temple
Shisen-do Temple
Shisen-do Temple
Shisen-do Temple
Shisen-do Temple
Shisen-do Temple
Shisen-do Temple
Shisen-do Temple

Ishikawa Jozan, the samurai retainer of Tokugawa Ieyasu (founder of the Edo Period) and poet, lived his final years here as a recluse. As you work your way along the temple approach deep into the calm bamboo grove, the elegant temple grounds of this mountain abode comes into view. The name, literally meaning "Temple of the Great Poets," is derived from the Poet's Room in the main hall where portraits of 36 famed poets of China hang with poems that Ishikawa wrote himself.

Address:
27 Ichijo-ji Monguchi-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto
Visiting hours:
9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (last entrance, 4:45 p.m.)
URL:
⇓

15 minutes on foot

  • 15:30

Keibunsha bookstore at Ichijo-ji

Keibunsha bookstore at Ichijo-ji
Keibunsha bookstore at Ichijo-ji
Keibunsha bookstore at Ichijo-ji
Keibunsha bookstore at Ichijo-ji
Keibunsha bookstore at Ichijo-ji
Keibunsha bookstore at Ichijo-ji
Keibunsha bookstore at Ichijo-ji
Keibunsha bookstore at Ichijo-ji

Keibunsha at Ichijo-ji selects their books with a discerning eye and a unique perspective, stocking their shelves with a variety of books, along with stationery supplies, magazines, CDs and other excellent products from around the world. Even if you have nothing in particular in mind, browse the bookshelves, where you will find wonderful things to stimulate your mind and enrich your life.

Address:
10 Ichijo-ji Haraitono-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto
Visiting hours:
10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
URL:
⇓

5 minutes on foot

  • In The Area
    Branch arrow

Ramen Street

Ramen Street
Ramen Street
Ramen Street
Ramen Street

As an affordable-yet-delicious meal, ramen has long been popular with the younger generations of Kyoto, which has a high student population. The Ichijoji area in particular is home to Ramen Street, so-called for the numerous famous ramen restaurants which are clustered along it.

⇓ Ichijoji Station

Eiden Ichijoji Station

Area Map

Area Map