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Kyoto is commonly on the middle of discussions about overtourism in Japan. And regardless that I largely debunk the idea of overtourism itself in my article concerning the topic, Kyoto’s crowdedness is plain.
With this being stated, Kyoto is a large metropolis, which extends far past vacationer spots like Kiyomizu-dera temple in Higashiyama and the Sagano Bamboo Grove in Arashiyama. The truth is, many components of Kyoto have just about no vacationers in any respect.
And I’m not simply speaking about residential districts. Fabulous spots like Kifune and Kurama, a shrine-and-temple pair in far northwestern Kyoto, are simply ready so that you can uncover them.
The Reality About Kurama and Kibune
Earlier than I clarify how to decide on between Kifune or Kurama (SPOILER ALERT: You need to go to each if you happen to can!), I did wish to clarify some issues about these sacred websites—first, attain them. After reaching Demachiyanagi Station, which is accessible by way of each the Keihan Primary Line and the Kyoto Subway Karasuma Line, it’s a ~30 minute straight shot on the Kurama Line of the Eizan Railway to both Kibune-guchi or Kurama stations.
It doesn’t actually matter the place you get off—when you’re within the space, you may stroll from one spot to the opposite. Likewise, it’s an inexpensive journey, costing round ¥700 one-way all the way in which from Kyoto Station. You gained’t must play standard on-line casinos in Japan to win extra cash (though you may, if you wish to say good day to free spins and many bonuses). Within the case of Kibune (which is an alternate spelling for “Kifune”) there’s additionally no entrance price, which makes it an much more inexpensive tour.
Kurama-dera
Learn how to Plan Your Go to to Kifune-jinja and Kurama-dera
Come on experience the practice(s)
As I defined above, you have to to take just a few trains to achieve these sacred spots from most locations in Kyoto. Relying upon the order through which you want to go to the temples (extra on resolve that in a second), you may get off the Eizan Kurama Line at both Kibune-guchi or Kurama stations.
Choose a place to begin
This text is about Kifune vs Kurama, however I’m going to imagine you’ll go to each. Nonetheless, you do want to start out at one. For those who comply with my recommendation and set off very first thing, however plan to eat soumen at Kifune (once more, extra on that in a second), it’s greatest to start out at Kurama. If it’s already mid-day or lunch will not be a priority, then you can begin at Kifune.
To hike or to not hike?
You may hike between Kifune-jinja and Kurama-dera, alongside a straightforward (however lengthy) path that takes about 2-3 hours one-way. Nonetheless, this isn’t an interesting choice to all vacationers, whether or not due to time points or due to a scarcity of stamina or bodily health. For those who don’t hike, then return to at least one station and experience the Eizan Line to the opposite.
A culinary journey
With regards to meals, Kurama vs Kifune presents a alternative. Whereas there are cute eating places close to the doorway of Kurama-dera, no culinary expertise is close to as iconic because the nagashi soumen noodles of Hirobun at Kifune-jinja, which accurately circulate onto your plate down a chute of water. They’re solely accessible in summer time, nevertheless.
The unlucky onsen fact
For a few years earlier than covid-19, Kurama Onsen was arguably the perfect public tub home in Kyoto, and though one of many least crowded on account of its location. Sadly, the onsen stays “briefly closed” years in spite of everything pandemic restrictions in Japan ended, with no re-opening date set.
Kifune-jinja
Detours on the Means Again (or There)
The Eizan Railway isn’t one in all Kyoto’s hottest practice traces for many vacationers, however there are some fascinating spots alongside it nonetheless:
- The “Maple Tunnel” between Ichihara and Ninose stations is a beautiful spectacle you may take pleasure in with out leaving the practice, with peak pink colours across the final week of November.
- Likewise, you may experience the Eizan Kurama Line again to Takaragaike Station and switch to the Eizan Primary Line and get off at Yase Hieizanguchi.
- In autumn, stroll alongside the Yase “Maple Path.” The remainder of the 12 months (besides throughout winter), you may experience the Keifuku Railway as much as Enryaku-ji temple, which affords beautiful views of Lake Biwa in Shiga prefecture.
- Whereas Ruriko-in temple (which can also be close to Yase Hieizanguchi) can also be a preferred place to go to in autumn, the mirrored impact of its polished wooden ground appears attractive it doesn’t matter what nature is doing.
Aren’t strolling the trail from Kurama to Kifune through the autumn season? Nicely, Enryaku-ji and the view from it are fabulous anytime of 12 months!
Different FAQ About Kurama-dera and Kifune-jinja
Is Kibune price visiting?
Kifune-jinja is one in all my favourite locations in Kyoto. Though it’s a bit removed from the town middle, the journey is greater than price it. The shrine is mystical and picturesque, and even throughout peak vacationer occasions isn’t practically as crowded as different, extra well-known spots in Kyoto.
How lengthy is the hike from Kurama to Kibune?
A few of this relies upon your tempo. I’ve accomplished the hike from Kurama to Kifune in lower than two hours, although official supplies counsel it normally takes about three hours. Actually, a visit encompassing each Kifune Shrine and Kurama Temple gained’t take longer than half a day.
How lengthy to spend in Kibune?
Kifune Shrine itself requires about an hour to discover on you attain the primary entrance. Nonetheless, if you happen to stroll there from the station or plan to take pleasure in soumen noodles when you get there, you may plan on doubling and even tripling this time.
The Backside Line
Kifune and Kurama are the proper spots to go to if you wish to benefit from the magic of Kyoto, however aren’t a fan of the crowds. After an extended however simple practice journey from the town middle, you’ll arrive able to discover this shrine-and-temple pair, the place you’ll discover the true spirit of Kyoto. For those who can, go very first thing within the morning—at the moment, these spots should not simply uncrowded, however may very well be abandoned! Additionally they placed on a present in all 4 seasons, so be ready for that. Want customized assist placing collectively the last word Kyoto itinerary? Think about hiring me to plan your journey to Japan!
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