#Eda85daysinJapan | Chapter 3 (Kyoto Part 4)

🗓️ 7 May 2026

Kindergarten Walkers & Sacred Trees

We hopped on the Eizan train out of central Kyoto toward Kurama to take on the classic mountain traverse over to Kibune.

Right at the trailhead near Kurama Station, we got joined by the sweetest company—a group of super cute kindergarten kids on an outing, plus two adorable Hachi-style dogs who hiked with us all the way up. The weather couldn't have been better, clear and crisp as we made our way past Yuki-jinja Shrine and spent the climb admiring the massive, ancient sacred Kitayama sugi trees.

Reiki Origins & Forest Walks

After passing the main hall of Kurama-dera (鞍馬寺), we pushed up onto the Kinone Sando (Tree Root Pilgrim Path) where massive roots stretch across the trail floor.

We eventually reached Osugi Gongen, the sacred area known as the actual founding place of Reiki. Tucked deep in the woods, it felt incredibly peaceful and calm—a genuine spot to slow down, take a breath, and soak in the forest energy. From there, we kept walking along the ridge, visiting the smaller sub-temples hidden along the descent.

Water Fortunes & Unagi at Kibune

The trail finishes down across the bridge into Kibune village. We headed up the lantern-lined steps to Kifune Shrine (貴船神社), where we watched people worshipping with the shrine's sacred spring water. We tried the mizu-mikuji (water fortunes) ourselves, placing blank paper slips into the water dish and watching the text slowly reveal itself.

Afterward, we grabbed a late lunch at Kokon Fujiya—a well-earned bowl of unagi don (grilled eel rice) and a cold beer.

Evening Spread Back at our place, our chef put together an amazing home-cooked dinner:

• Grilled Veggies: Tender, lightly charred eggplant halves alongside sweet, thick-cut grilled Japanese white leeks (negi).

• Sides: A bowl of steamed edamame pods and crispy, golden-brown chicken karaage.

• Sake Pairing: Paired everything with a bottle of Kumano Sanzan (熊野三山) sake, bringing a little piece of our Kumano Kodo trail memories right back to the table.