Kurama-dera (鞍馬寺)

Basic Information

Description

Founded by Gantei, a disciple of the Chinese monk Ganjin. Originally a Tendai sect temple, but since 1949 it has been an independent temple serving as the head temple of the Kurama Kokyo sect.
Famous as the place where the young Ushiwaka-maru (Minamoto no Yoshitsune) trained.

The main hall. Copper-roofed, vermillion-painted.
Enshrines statues of Senju Kannon (Thousand-Armed Kannon), Bishamon-ten, and Goho Mao-son.

Admission 200 yen. Open 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Closed Mondays.
Displays animals and plants found on Mount Kurama, hidden Buddhist statues and National Treasure-class Buddhist art, as well as a memorial room dedicated to Yosano Tekkan and Yosano Akiko with their personal effects.

The path continuing deeper from the Treasure Hall. Because the trees have rooted on ancient bedrock, their roots jut out above ground in intricate patterns. Along the way, you'll find the "Sei-kurabe Ishi" — a stone where, legend has it, young Ushiwaka-maru (Yoshitsune) compared his height. Cross the mountain and you'll reach Kibune.

Enshrines a demon king said to have come from Venus 6.5 million years ago.

While statues of Bishamon-ten and Senju Kannon are enshrined here, the Kurama Kokyo sect's interpretation of them is quite unique.

Map