Ninna-ji in Omuro | Kurama
From Ninna-ji in Omuro to the sacred mountains of Kurama. A day dedicated to the philosophy of “the path as prayer”
- Duration: 8 hours (starting at 10:00)
- Price: On request
- Departure: Departure and return to hotels within Kyoto city
Overview
In the north and west of Kyoto, there are places where time flows differently, far from the bustling tourist districts.
The World Heritage site Ninna-ji, where for centuries the abbots came from the imperial family. The sacred mountain Kurama, shrouded in legends of the tengu. And a deep cedar gorge leading to Kifune Shrine, dedicated to the deity of water. For over a thousand years, monks, ascetics, and pilgrims have walked these paths, seeking inner peace and clarity of mind.
In the morning, visit the Omuro 88 Sacred Sites, located on the slopes behind Ninna-ji. This pilgrimage route, modeled after the famous Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage, allows you to touch an ancient tradition where each step becomes part of the path to inner purification. Moss-covered stone Buddha statues, forest trails, and the silence of the mountains create an atmosphere of complete seclusion.
In the afternoon, head to Mount Kurama. From the ancient Kurama-dera, associated with the legend of Ushiwakamaru, the path winds among centuries-old cryptomeria trees to Kifune Shrine, where the water deity has been revered since ancient times. Known as a place of spiritual practice, this mountain still preserves a special energy, inviting unhurried walks and contemplation.
Temples, mountain trails, ancient forest, and pure water—a journey along Kyoto’s pilgrimage roads that for over a thousand years have helped seekers find tranquility, clarity of thought, and discover another, more intimate side of the ancient capital.
Route: Kyoto Hotel → Ninna-ji & Omuro 88 Sacred Sites → Kurama-dera → Kine-no-ne-michi Trail → Kifune Shrine → Kyoto Hotel
Key Features
- Ninna-ji — A temple founded in 886. Known as the "Omuro Imperial Palace," where members of the imperial family served as abbots (UNESCO).
- 88 Sacred Sites of Omuro — Walking the Omuro pilgrimage route with its 88 sacred sites grants the same spiritual merit as the Shikoku pilgrimage.
- Kurama Temple — Founded in 770, it is known as the place where Minamoto no Yoshitsune spent his childhood. The stone pavement in front of the main hall is renowned as a power spot.
- Pilgrimage route — The trail winds among majestic cedars and moss-covered lanterns, preserving the atmosphere of a pilgrimage route that has been walked for a thousand years.
- Kifune Shrine — As the main sanctuary of approximately 500 Kifune shrines across the country, it is dedicated to Takano-kami, the deity of water, and is also known as the birthplace of ema plaques.
- Ugenta — A hotel managed by the temple priests. From May to September, a riverside terrace is set up where you can enjoy lunch to the sound of flowing water.
Continue with VIP ACCESS
The day-by-day itinerary, the timetable and the names of the shops and workshops we visit are available to VIP ACCESS members.