The area of Kurama is, of course, most known for Kurama Temple. Because the temple is on a mountain, the grandness of the nature you get to see is such that you almost can’t believe you are still in the same city of Kyoto. The history of Kurama Temple started over 1300 years ago after the monk Ganjin came to Japan from the Tang dynasty to propagate Buddhism in Japan, and the temple itself was founded when Ganjin’s discipline Gancho dedicated the temple to Bishamonten (Vaisravana). Originally the temple didn’t belong to just one sect but had a diverse belief system, but since the events of World War II these beliefs were joined up, and now Kurama Temple is the head temple of the Kurama Kokyo sect. The temple is well known as a great place to see cherry blossoms in spring and autumn leaves in autumn, and many people visit the temple to enjoy the beautiful nature. From the entrance of the temple, the Niomon Gate, it takes around 30 minutes to walk up the mountain, and when you continue up the mountain from the main hall you will get to a rather steep mountain path that will take you all the way to Kifune Shrine. There is a lot to see on the vast grounds of Kurama Temple, and Kifune Shrine and Kurama Onsen are both close, so I would like to recommend you go to them too.