Kurama-dera

High on the slopes of Mount Kurama, Kurama-dera Temple awaits. It exudes a unique atmosphere. Some believe it holds a special spiritual energy. Many famous people have visited Kurama-dera to meditate over the years. The temple grounds offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains. The air is filled with the scent of cedar and incense. Kurama-dera’s origins date back to 770. A monk named Gantei sought refuge in the wilderness for meditation. He journeyed from Nara, eventually finding himself in the north of Kyoto. There he encountered a white horse. He followed it to what is now known as Kurama Valley. Gantei experienced a vision of a Buddhist deity. Inspired by this, he established Kurama-dera Temple. The temple’s teachings have evolved into their own sect of Buddhism. This sect incorporates the spirits of the local mountain. Kurama-dera holds a significant connection to the samurai Minamoto no Yoshitsune. As a child, he was sent to live at the temple. The Taira clan, rivals of Yoshitsune’s family, intended for him to become a monk. They hoped to prevent him from becoming a warrior. Legend says Yoshitsune secretly trained in swordsmanship with the tengu, mythical creatures of the mountain. He eventually left Kurama-dera to avenge his family and fight against the Taira clan. Visiting Kurama-dera is a truly rewarding experience. It combines the opportunity for a great hike with the chance to explore ancient and mysterious temple buildings. Within Kurama-dera, you’ll find the A-Un tigers guarding the main hall. These tiger statues represent the beginning and end of all things. You can also find the Kongoshō, a six-pointed star symbol on the ground in front of the main hall. It’s believed that standing in the center of the star and facing the main hall allows you to feel a surge of energy.