About Kuramadera(Temple)
Kuramadera Temple is a Tendai sect temple located on Kurama Mountain in Sakyo-ku, Kyoto City, and attracts visitors with its mysterious atmosphere and natural beauty. It is said to have been founded during the Hogui period (770-781) by Ganjin Wajo, the great disciple of Ganjin Wajo, and is known for its long history and deep religious beliefs.
Kuramadera Temple is most notable for its mystical natural surroundings and spiritual atmosphere. The temple is located halfway up Mt. Kurama, and the temple grounds are accessed via a beautiful mountain path surrounded by trees. Along the way, the temple is dotted with sacred spots that blend nature and history, including a place where the legend of Kurama Tengu lives on and the "Okuno-in approach" lined with giant cedar trees. The route via Yuki-jinja Shrine, famous for the Kurama Fire Festival, is particularly popular.
Kuramadera Temple is also known for its unique religious beliefs. The teachings of Kuramadera are a fusion of Buddhism, mountain worship, and the unique Tengu faith, and visitors can have a unique spiritual experience here. Gohomao-son, enshrined in the main Kondo hall, is a symbol of this belief and attracts many visitors to the temple.
Furthermore, Kuramadera Temple is known as a power spot, as is the entire Kurama Mountain. In particular, the front garden of the main shrine, where a large stone called "Kurama-ishi" is placed, is a place where many people join their hands to feel powerful energy. It is said that touching this stone purifies the body and mind.
The beauty of the landscape is another major attraction of Kuramadera. In spring, the cherry blossoms are in full bloom, and in fall, the entire mountain is decorated with autumn leaves. The harmony of these natural beauties and the historic architecture of the temple leaves a deep impression on visitors.
A visit to Kuramadera Temple is not only a refreshing experience for the body and soul, but also a valuable experience of history and nature. With easy access from Kyoto City, a visit to Kuramadera is a must when sightseeing in Kyoto.