A group of people dining at kawadoko restaurant in Kibune, Kyoto - editorial photography in Kyoto, Japan.

The Hike From Kurama To Kibune

Kyoto

Japan

Kurama to Kibune follows one of Kyoto’s most atmospheric walks, crossing Mount Kurama through towering cedar forests before descending into the quiet riverside village of Kibune. Best known for its kawadoko dining platforms, where restaurants are built above the river during the summer months, Kibune has a slower rhythm than central Kyoto. This project is a visual story about slowing down, following the forest trail and experiencing one of Kyoto’s most atmospheric corners beyond its best-known sights.

01 - Kurama

View from a train platform showing railway tracks, a passing train, overhead electrical wires, and urban buildings, with a person in the foreground.
View from inside a train traveling through lush green forest with railway tracks ahead, overhead power lines, and a signal on the left side.
Person wearing white gloves working with machinery, adjusting a valve, with gauges and control panels around.
Reflections of a train conductor and passengers seen in a train station mirror with trees outside.
View of train tracks and a small train station surrounded by lush green trees on a hillside.
A train conductor in uniform holds a radio inside a train control booth, with greenery visible outside.
A wooden sign with white Japanese characters and the word "KURAMA" beneath it, hanging below green foliage, with two traditional Japanese masks flanking the sign.
People viewing artwork and posters in an indoor gallery with large windows and greenery outside.
A traditional Japanese house with bamboo blinds covering the windows, surrounded by green trees and pink flowers in the garden.
A street scene featuring a traditional Japanese building with a small shop outdoors offering various souvenirs and artifacts. Two people are walking past, one with a cane and the other wearing a yellow coat. The building has wooden railings and a til
Sign with rules for customers, including no handling allergies, no vegetarian or gluten-free meals, and no cuisines for vegetarians.
A Japanese meal set on a wooden tray with tempura shrimp, cold soba noodles, dipping sauces, wasabi, pickles, and a bowl of rice.
Entrance to a Japanese restaurant or shop with a fabric curtain featuring a tree symbol and Japanese characters, lantern lights, and a menu display outside.
Red and black lanterns along stone steps leading up to a lush green forest area with trees and shrubbery, viewed through a traditional Japanese wooden gate with hanging fabric.
Stone lantern with moss on top, located beside a stone railing in a lush green garden, surrounded by trees and foliage.
A sign with the number 7, Japanese characters, and English text reading 'CableCar Taho-tô Sta.' mounted on a wall above a red painted surface.
Interior view of a funicular or cable car showing red seats and large windows with a view of green trees and hillside outside.

02 - Kibune

Tall pine trees in a dense forest with green foliage and a cloudy sky overhead.
Tree roots and gravel path in a forest
Group of people dining at an outdoor restaurant under bamboo shades over a creek.
Close-up of fern leaves with intricate green fronds in a forest setting.
People sitting on a wooden platform near a flowing stream in a lush forest, with trees and green foliage. Lanterns are hanging above them, and some are engaged in conversation.
Matcha green tea flavored desserts on a wooden platter, including green tea cake pieces, whipped cream, and red bean paste, with another dessert and drinks in the background.
Close-up of green moss and small plants growing on a tree bark.
A view through a narrow space showing a Japanese-inspired outdoor setting with lanterns, a wooden platform, and decorative elements, framed by bamboo or reed fencing.
Traditional Japanese building with wooden and tiled roof, surrounded by lush green trees with some red leaves, and three people standing in front, one taking a photo.
A small stream flowing through a lush green forest with a kawadoko dining seating area with people dining, surrounded by dense trees and foliage in Kibune, Kyoto, editorial travel photography, Japan.
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