Private multi-day tour · Multi-day from Tokyo
From Tokyo: 3-Day Kurama to Ohara Hike Customizable Tour
Hike the cedar forest trail from Kurama-dera to Kibune Shrine, then see the moss gardens of Ohara, in the quiet hills north of Kyoto.
Private · your group only◆3 days◆Up to 6 guests◆Pickup included
Road-day snapshot
This is your private tour, so the route is flexible: tell us if you want to skip a stop, stay longer somewhere or add a place nearby.
The experience
A private journey, thoughtfully paced
Most visitors to Kyoto stay in the busy city center. This tour takes you into the green hills to the north, where mountain temples sit in cedar forest and small villages keep a slow pace.
On day 2 you visit Kurama-dera, a mountain temple linked with the legend of the tengu and the young samurai Minamoto no Yoshitsune. From the temple you walk the forest trail over the ridge, past giant cedar roots, and down to Kibune. The walk takes about 1.5 to 2 hours with many steps. In Kibune you visit Kibune Shrine, a shrine to the god of water, with its famous stone stairs lined with red lanterns. Your van waits at the bottom, so you never walk back.
On day 3 you drive to Ohara, a farming valley in the hills. Here you visit Sanzen-in, a temple known for its moss garden and small stone jizo figures half hidden in the moss. Then you start the drive back to Tokyo.
Your driver-guide speaks English and explains the history and the small details along the way. Good walking shoes are needed for the trail.
This is a private tour. Only your group. One van, one driver-guide, 1 to 6 guests, never shared with other travelers.
If the Kurama-Kibune trail or a core temple is closed on your date (for example after a typhoon), you can take a full refund of your booking, guaranteed. If you prefer, we can instead visit another Kyoto mountain temple walk of the same kind.
DAY 1 Pickup at your Tokyo hotel in the morning and drive to Kyoto (about 6 to 7 hours with breaks). Free evening.
DAY 2 Kurama-dera, the forest trail over the ridge, Kibune Shrine and the lantern stairs. Back to your Kyoto hotel in the afternoon.
DAY 3 Morning at Sanzen-in in Ohara, then the drive back to your Tokyo hotel (evening arrival).
Choose with confidence
Is this the right journey for your group?
Excellent fit if
- Kurama mountain forest trail walk to Kibune, 1.5 to 2 hours
- Kurama-dera mountain temple, linked to tengu and samurai legends
- Kibune Shrine and its stone stairs lined with red lanterns
- Sanzen-in moss garden with small stone jizo figures in Ohara
- Quiet hill villages north of Kyoto, away from the city crowds
Said plainly
The forest trail has steep steps and tree roots. Wear good walking shoes. Guests with knee or heart problems may find it hard. The drive from Tokyo to Kyoto takes about 6 to 7 hours each way with breaks. Best from April to November. In heavy rain the trail can be slippery. Dietary needs can be added in the booking form. If the Kurama-Kibune trail or a core temple is closed on your date, you can take a full refund of your booking, guaranteed. If you prefer, we can instead visit another Kyoto mountain temple walk of the same kind.
Your day
Suggested itinerary
Times are approximate. Your driver-guide adjusts the order for traffic, weather, opening hours and the best light.
Kurama mountain forest trail walk to Kibune, 1.5 to 2 hours
Kurama-dera mountain temple, linked to tengu and samurai legends
Kibune Shrine and its stone stairs lined with red lanterns
Sanzen-in moss garden with small stone jizo figures in Ohara
Quiet hill villages north of Kyoto, away from the city crowds
What is covered
What you see is what you pay
Ours — included
- Private van and English-speaking driver-guide (Hindi and Urdu also spoken)
- Hotel pickup and drop-off in central Tokyo
- All parking, fuel and road tolls
- Kurama-dera entry fee
- Sanzen-in entry fee
Yours — paid on the day
- Hotel accommodation (you book your own hotel in Kyoto)
- Meals and drinks unless listed as included
- Gratuities, which are never expected in Japan
- Optional temple charms and souvenirs
- Optional lunch at a Kibune riverside restaurant
Good to know
Before you book
Languages
English, Urdu, Hindi, Punjabi
Pickup
Pickup and drop-off at your Tokyo hotel or accommodation (23 wards).
Group and vehicle
Private for up to 6 guests. Enter adults, children, infants and child seats separately at booking.
Dietary and mobility needs
Halal, vegetarian, allergy, walking or other practical requests go in your booking notes and are planned before the day.
Questions
Frequently asked
Can we change the route on the day?
Yes. It is a private tour in our own van, so your driver-guide can skip, extend or add stops where time allows.
Is the price per person?
No. The price is for your whole private group of up to 6 people, including the van, fuel, tolls, parking and your driver-guide.
What is the cancellation policy?
Cancel at least 24 hours before departure for an automatic full refund to the original payment method. Within 24 hours, contact us directly so we can help. If a typhoon or official weather warning stops the trip, we offer a new date or a full refund. For a GetYourGuide booking, the terms shown on that booking apply.
Somewhere else in mind?
Any destination in Japan
If this route is not exactly what you need, tell us the destination, dates and group. We confirm the plan and the exact price before any payment is taken.
Plan a custom journeyYour private Japan day
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From¥245,000
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