Mount Kurama, located north of Kyoto, is a place shrouded in mysticism and legends that date back to ancient times. Long before Kurama became famous in the 20th century for its association with Reiki—after Usui Sensei spent 21 days in spiritual retreat and attained enlightenment—Mount Kurama was already considered a sacred site in Japanese spirituality, linked to both Shinto and Buddhist mythology.
Kurama is said to be home to supernatural entities and deities that have influenced Japan’s history and culture for centuries. One of the most well-known myths about Mount Kurama is its connection to the tengu, legendary beings from Japanese folklore often depicted as bird-like creatures with a prominent nose. Tengu have traditionally been seen as mountain guardians and protectors of esoteric knowledge, though they can also be mischievous and unpredictable. If you visit Kurama and encounter them, be sure to treat them with great respect.
Kurama is also known as the dwelling place of the great Sōjōbō, the king of the tengu. It is said that Sōjōbō was a master of swordsmanship and combat, and that he taught Minamoto no Yoshitsune, one of Japan’s most legendary samurai, the fighting techniques that would make him an unbeatable warrior. According to legend, Yoshitsune spent his childhood in Kurama, where, under Sōjōbō’s guidance, he learned movements and strategies that seemed almost supernatural in battle. This story has reinforced Kurama’s image as a place of mystical learning and hidden martial power.
In addition to Shinto and the folklore of the tengu, Kurama also has a strong Buddhist presence. The mountain is home to Kurama-dera Temple, founded in the 8th century and dedicated to Bishamonten, one of the most important warrior deities in Japanese Buddhism. Bishamonten is the protector of the north and is associated with justice, war, and protection against evil. Throughout the centuries, many monks and warriors have climbed Mount Kurama to worship him and seek his blessing.
In Kurama’s Buddhist worldview, the mountain itself is believed to be a center of spiritual energy, a place where nature and the divine converge. This vision has endured over time and continues to attract pilgrims and spiritual seekers.
Another spiritual belief linked to Mount Kurama is its connection to the planet Venus and the deity Mao-son. According to the esoteric Buddhist teachings of Kurama-dera, approximately 6.5 million years ago, a cosmic energy descended from Venus to guide humanity. This entity, known as Mao-son, is venerated in Kurama as a manifestation of universal wisdom and light—a celestial being that helps awaken people’s spiritual potential. Alongside Bishamonten and Kannon, the bodhisattva of compassion in Mahayana Buddhism, Mao-son forms a sacred trinity within the temple’s spirituality.
Mount Kurama is believed to be not only a center for Buddhist practice but also a point of connection with cosmic energies that transcend the Earth. Many visitors come to the temple seeking enlightenment and harmony with these forces, believing that the mountain serves as a bridge between the divine and human realms.
One of the most spectacular events associated with Mount Kurama is the Kurama no Hi Matsuri, or Kurama Fire Festival. Held every year on October 22 at Yuki-jinja Shrine, this festival is one of Kyoto’s most awe-inspiring celebrations. During the event, locals light enormous torches and parade through the streets carrying sacred fire, reenacting an ancient procession to welcome Shinto deities. This fire is believed to purify and protect the community, connecting participants with the divine energies of the mountain.
For centuries, Kurama has been a spiritual landmark in Japan—not only because of its connection to the tengu and Bishamonten, but also due to the belief that the mountain holds a special energy. Many people visit Kurama to meditate, walk its trails, and experience the sacred atmosphere of the place. The blend of legends, spiritual richness, and natural beauty makes it a fascinating destination, steeped in history and mystery.
Beyond Reiki, Mount Kurama remains a site where mythology and spirituality intertwine, reminding us of the deep connection between nature and the divine in Japanese culture.
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