Kurama-dera Temple — Mountain Fire Festival Temple

Kurama-dera Temple (鞍馬寺) sits atop Mt. Kurama (570m) in northern Kyoto, accessible by cable car or a scenic 30-minute forest hike through ancient cedar trees. The temple is headquarters of the Kurama-Kokyo sect of Buddhism and is famous for the Kurama Fire Festival (鞍馬の火祭, October 22) — one of Kyoto's three most unique festivals where villagers parade with massive burning torches through narrow streets.

The temple's main hall houses a cosmic deity unique to this sect, and the grounds include Okunoin Shrine at the summit. A hiking trail connects Kurama to Kibune Shrine (90 minutes), passing through dense forest and mountain streams.