Marimari.com : Japan - Northern Kyoto

Visitors will be able to explore rustic and mountainous areas in the northern parts of Kyoto. The twin valleys of Kurama and Kibune are probably the most interesting day trips in the Kyoto area, that is if visitors are interested in the countryside without having to travel far. Other interesting sights in the northern region include Mt Hiei-zan, Enryaku-ji Temple, and Shugaku-in Rikyu Imperial Villa.

Designed as an imperial retreat for Emperor Go-Mizunoo, the villa premises are divided into three large garden areas: lower, middle, and upper gardens. The gardens are beautiful through their ponds, pathways, and impressive background scenery of hills. There is a Rinun-tei Teahouse in the upper gardens and the view is rather impressive from here. Reservations must be made several weeks in advance through the Imperial Household Agency. To reach the villa, take bus No. 5 from Kyoto station and alight at Shugaku-in-Rikyu-michi stop.

Both buildings are located within the vicinity of Shugaku-in Rikyu Imperial Villa and are not as well-known as other major sights. In 1641, a Chinese classics scholar and landscape architect, Jozan, had built Shisendo, or House of Poet-Hermits. It has a beautiful garden that offers much peace and relaxation. The house is a five minute walk from the Ichijoji-sagarimatsu-mae bus stop.

Originally founded on Mt Hiei-zan, the Manshu-in Temple was relocated to Kyoto at the beginning of the Edo period. Visitors will surely be impressed with its architecture, works of art, and garden. The temple is a 10 minute walk from Shugaku-in Rikyu Imperial Villa.

Mt Hiei-zan is a good place to hike and enjoy the ambience of a key site in Japanese history, as it is where Enryaku-ji Temple is housed. The temple was founded in 788 by priest Saicho, who had established the Tenzai school of Buddhism. Visitors to this temple will note that it is divided into three sections: Todo, Saito, and Yokawa. Todo or the Eastern Section comprises of the Kompon Chudo (Primary Central Hall), which dates back to 1642. Saito or the Western Section consists of the Shaka-do Hall, which dates back to the Kamakura period. Saito has the nicest ambience with its stone paths, tall trees, and temples shrouded in mist. Yokawa, however, is of not much interest. Both Mt Hiei-zan and Enryaku-ji Temple can be reached by either train or bus. Visitors can take the Keihan Keishin line from Kyoto to Sakamoto. From there, take the Sakamoto cable car to the peak from which the temple is within walking distance. Those who prefer the bus will be able to take direct buses to Enryaku-ji Temple and Mt Hiei-zan from Kyoto station.

Ohara is a quiet farming town that provides a glimpse of old rural Japan, Sanzen-in Temple, and Jakko-in Convent. The town is most popular in autumn when the maple leaves change colour and the mountain views are sensational. To reach Ohara, take bus No. 17 or 18 from Kyoto station.

Located on the Keihan Eizan line, both Kurama and Kibune are serene valleys that have long been favoured by locals as the place to escape the crowds and hustle and bustle of city life. Kurama is made up of breathtaking mountain temples and hot springs. Kibune, on the other hand, offers traditional Japanese inns (ryokan) that overlook a mountain stream. It is best to explore both valleys together. From Demachiyanagi station, both valleys can be reached by Kyoto bus No. 32. But the bus is much slower than the train, which is accessible by the Keihan Eizan line from the same station.