Begin your adventure with a morning visit to Nijo Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Kyoto’s most celebrated landmarks. Built in 1603 as the Kyoto residence of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun of the Edo period, this castle is not only a symbol of power but also an architectural masterpiece.

As you walk through the Ninomaru-goten Palace, be amazed by the skillfully painted sliding doors and the intricate wood carvings. The famous “nightingale floors” squeak melodiously as you step, designed to alert the castle’s occupants of any intruders. Outside, the meticulously landscaped gardens offer a serene atmosphere, especially enchanting during cherry blossom or autumn foliage seasons.

After leaving Nijo Castle, drive north to Kurama, a mountain village steeped in legends and spiritual tradition. At its heart lies Kuramadera Temple, founded in the 8th century. The temple is revered as a place of mystical energy, and it has long been associated with esoteric practices and nature worship.

Take the cable car partway up or enjoy a brisk hike to the temple grounds. Once there, be rewarded with breathtaking views of the forested slopes and the valley below. The atmosphere is deeply tranquil, with towering cedar trees standing like silent guardians.

From Kuramadera Temple, continue downhill to the charming village of Kifune. Here stands the picturesque Kifune Shrine, dedicated to the god of water and rain. The shrine has long been a place where people come to pray for good fortune, protection, and blessings in relationships.

The approach to the shrine is one of the most iconic scenes in Kyoto — stone steps lined with rows of bright red lanterns, framed by lush greenery. In the summer, Kifune is famous for its riverside dining platforms called kawadoko, where guests can enjoy seasonal cuisine just above the flowing water. In every season, the shrine and its surroundings radiate a peaceful and enchanting atmosphere.

After a day of cultural exploration and mountain walking, nothing is more rewarding than soaking in the mineral-rich waters of Kurama Onsen. It’s a Hot Spring for Everyone — Where Tattoos and Smiles Are Always Welcome.
Located in a secluded valley, this hot spring offers both indoor and outdoor baths, but it is the open-air bath (rotenburo) that steals the spotlight.
Immersed in warm waters, gaze at the surrounding mountains, listen to the rustling leaves, and feel the fatigue of the day melt away. This is not just a bath, but a quintessential Japanese experience — a moment of harmony between body, mind, and nature.