Kurama-dera (鞍馬寺)　Temple, Kyoto Prefecture, Japan

Kurama Temple (Kurama-dera 鞍馬寺), is located north of Kyoto City on Mt. Kurama （鞍馬山, about 1800 feet above the sea level) and is about 12 kilometers from the center of Kyoto City. It can be reached in 30 minutes from Kyoto by car or train. I suggest use the Train (Eizan Railways Kurama Train), to enjoy the scenic ride. Watch my video of this ride to the temple. The Kurama Temple (鞍馬寺）, founded in 770 as the guardian of the northern quarter of the capital city (Heiankyo), is located halfway up the Mt. Kurama. The temple formerly belonged to the Tendai sect of Buddhism, but since 1949, it has been included in the newly founded Kurama-Kokyo sect as its headquarters. The trek up to the temple is beautiful and picturesque, although you can take a cable car also up to the temple. Mt. Kurama is the only temple, in the entire Kyoto City area is said to inhabit a rattle snake type snake called "Mamushi" in Japanese. Coming across the trekkers with the snake is not very common but the temple officials warn the travelers to leave them alone, if you see them. The main temple is only half the way up Mt. Kurama, so trekking enthusiasts to this temple, can try a further up the mountain trek, which is also very interesting with many little shrines and temples. The trek actually ends, at Kibune Shrine, which is away from the Kurama Temple. Good thing is that at Kibune Shrine, you can hop on the Eizan Railways train back to the Kyoto City. I did half of this trek, please watch my video of the trek. All and all, if you visit Kyoto city, make sure that you visit this temple. Enjoy..