Raigō-in

As the top attraction in the Ohara area, this temple is well worth the visit. Housed within the temple are three ancient Buddha statues. Outside, there is a lovely moss garden and a variety of Buddhist statues ranging from the typical spiritual statues to adorable, animated statues.

The priest Hōnen's famous question-and-answer session was held in the temple's hondō (main hall). At the session, he is said to have shined the temple's principal Buddhist sculpture using only his prayers.

Like Yogen-in in Higashiyama, the ceiling of Hosen-in was built using the floorboards of Fushimi Castle, where a bloody historic battle took place. As a result, you'll notice blood stains on the ceiling. Outside, there is a charming garden containing a famous 700-year-old pine tree.

Built in honor of Prince Shōtoku's father, the temple's Jizo contains 6000 tiny Buddha statues inside. The temple is also significant as the final resting place of Empress Kenreimonin, the only member of the Taira clan to survive in the Tales of Heike.

A temple where followers are trained to recite the Nyoho Nenbutsu chants. The statue kept within the shrine was originally adorned with the hair of the temple's founding priest.

A Buddhist temple overlooking the valley from the hills. There is a short cable car from the village to the hills (¥200/100 adult/child), but in order to see all the temples you have to walk either up or down. If you have been doing temple-hopping in Kyoto, Kurama-dera will be a pleasant surprise - even during the peak season, it doesn't get crowded here.