Kurama-dera

Being a holiday, the trains were somewhat crowded as I headed north of Kyoto into the Kitayama mountains. I had to transfer a few times, but knew it'd be worth it when I saw the view as I exited the train at Kurama station on the northern Keihan line. I passed some obvious tourist shops on the short walk to the temple gates, and a shuttle bus advertising Kurama Onsen. I've noticed little packets like these, of... something, in many shops, it looks kind of gooey, maybe even fishy, the packaging is so plain as to give no clue and I haven't stopped to translate the signs yet. Continued up the road, to the temple entrance, paid a ¥200 entrance fee, then started walking up. And up. It was stairs and switchbacks going higher and higher and I passed multiple gates, shrines, giant cedar trees, and few different buildings. One building had a scale model of the mountain and temple. There was also a trolley part of the way, but I passed that by. Eventually I came to an overlook with benches.

From the overlook it was all stairs to the top and the main temple. The inside of the temple was all glitter and gold, japanese art, incense and candles. I was not allowed to take pictures, nor would I have anyway. It was a nice clearing, views all around and people were eating their bento lunches. Made me wish I had brought one. The wind picked up and blew the cherry blossoms from the trees, a little girl ran around catching them in her hat. Off to the left, the trail continued to the summit. There was a bin here with hiking sticks that anyone could use and leave at the other end. The stairs were well worn, steep in parts, and it was popular day to be out. There were only a few parts along this trail where I wasn't in sight of at least 2 other hikers. Passed a few smaller shrines along the way, and the main bell tower. Reaching the summit there was a clearing covered with the exposed roots of sugi trees. A slight detour took me to the remains of an ancient cedar tree, my picture does not do justice to its size and majesty. The descending trail was quieter, less crowded.

I passed some smaller shrines on the way down, and hikers on their way up. Also a pilgrim with his bell. Almost to the end of the trail there was an old fuji tree, ancient and impossibly twisted. I crossed a small bridge and I was in the town of Kibune.