【Detective Conan】Labyrinth of Crossroads – Kurama Temple (Kyoto Prefecture)
The seventh theatrical film of Detective Conan, “Labyrinth of Crossroads (Crossroad),” is a masterpiece that particularly captures the charm of Kyoto among the popular works based on Gosho Aoyama’s original story. Among these, Kurama Temple is known as a sacred pilgrimage spot visited by many fans, serving as the stage for an important confrontation scene between Heiji Hattori and the culprit.
This article provides comprehensive explanations of sacred pilgrimage to “Labyrinth of Crossroads” centered on Kurama Temple, from access methods to specific locations featured in the work, photography points, and nearby attractions. We also provide detailed information on efficient routes when actually visiting, required time, and precautions, so if you are planning a sacred pilgrimage, please use this as a reference.
The Relationship Between “Labyrinth of Crossroads” and Kurama Temple
The Importance of Kurama Temple in the Work
Released in 2003, the theatrical film “Labyrinth of Crossroads” is set in Kyoto and centers its narrative on the legends of Minamoto no Yoshitsune (Ushiwaka Maru) and Benkei. Kurama Temple is a real temple known as the place where Ushiwaka Maru trained, and it appears as an important stage in the work.
The scene where Heiji is attacked by the culprit and important clues leading toward the climax are depicted as being hidden there, making it the sacred site where one can feel most strongly the atmosphere of the Yoshitsune legend flowing through the entire work.
Appearance Scenes in the Work
Kurama Temple and its surroundings appear in the following important scenes:
- Chase scene at Kurama Station: An intense scene where Heiji chases the culprit on a motorcycle and rushes into the station
- Confrontation at Sojogadani: A tense scene where Heiji is targeted by the culprit’s bow
- Path of Tree Roots: A mystical atmosphere that creates the work’s worldview
- Kurama Temple Niomon Gate: Important scenes that evoke Kyoto’s historical background
These scenes faithfully reproduce the actual landscape of Kurama Temple, making it a recommended spot for not only anime fans but also those wanting to enjoy Kyoto tourism.
Access Methods to Kurama Temple
Access from Kyoto Station
Access to Kurama Temple is generally done using the Eizan Electric Railway Kurama Line.
Most efficient route:
- From Kyoto Station on the Subway Karasuma Line to “Kokusaikaikan Station” (approximately 20 minutes)
- Transfer to Eizan Electric Railway from Kokusaikaikan Station
- On the Eizan Electric Railway Kurama Line to “Kurama Station” (approximately 30 minutes)
- From Kurama Station, approximately 5 minutes walk to Kurama Temple Niomon Gate
Alternative route:
- From Kyoto Station by Kyoto Bus Route 17 to “Demachiyanagi Station” (approximately 30 minutes)
- From Demachiyanagi Station on the Eizan Electric Railway Kurama Line to “Kurama Station” (approximately 30 minutes)
Appeal of the Eizan Electric Railway Kurama Line
The Eizan Electric Railway Kurama Line itself is popular as a tourist attraction. Over the approximately 30-minute journey from Demachiyanagi Station to Kurama Station, you can enjoy the lush natural scenery of Kyoto. Especially during the autumn foliage season (mid to late November), the view from the train window is spectacular.
In the work, Kurama Station, where Heiji invaded on a motorcycle, has the charming atmosphere of a local railway terminal. The station building is relatively small and located in a quiet mountain environment.
Time Required and Fares
- From Kyoto Station to Kurama Station: Approximately 50 minutes to 1 hour
- Subway Karasuma Line (Kyoto Station → Kokusaikaikan Station): 290 yen
- Eizan Electric Railway (Kokusaikaikan Station → Kurama Station): 430 yen
- Kurama Temple entrance fee: 300 yen
Discount ticket information:
- Eizan Electric Railway 1-day pass “Eeekippu”: 1,000 yen (recommended for touring the Kurama and Kifune areas)
Detailed Sacred Pilgrimage Spots at Kurama Temple
1. Kurama Station (Eizan Electric Railway)
Appearance in the work:
An exhilarating scene where Heiji chases the culprit on a motorcycle and rushes into the station. Since this work marked the shift to digital production, CG was abundantly used in motorcycle scenes, with impressive dynamic visual expressions.
Actual photography points:
- Station exterior: A small wooden station building exactly as depicted in the work
- Platform: A simple single-track structure that exudes the atmosphere of a local private railway
- Station plaza: A large tengu (demon) object that serves as a landmark (popular as a photography spot)
Points for visiting:
Although Kurama Station is not an unmanned station, it is a small-scale station, so observe quietly. There are also souvenir shops and restaurants in front of the station, making it convenient for breaks.
2. Kurama Temple Niomon Gate
Appearance in the work:
The stone stairs in front of Kurama Temple’s main gate, the Niomon Gate, appear in the work as important scenes that create Kyoto’s historical atmosphere.
Highlights:
- Vermillion-painted Niomon Gate: An impressive mountain gate reconstructed in 1911
- Niomon statues: Impressive niomon statues enshrined on both sides of the gate
- Stone steps: Long stone steps continuing from the front of the Niomon Gate that recreate the work’s atmosphere
Photography points:
Looking up at the Niomon Gate from below provides a composition close to the scenes in the work. The light at dawn or dusk is beautiful, and it’s a photogenic spot.
3. The Path to the Main Temple and Golden Hall
Kurama Temple has its entire mountain as its grounds, and the path to the Main Temple and Golden Hall requires approximately 30 minutes of mountain hiking.
Route:
- Entering from the Niomon Gate (entrance fee 300 yen)
- Fumeindo (reception and treasure hall)
- Yuki Shrine (with national treasure worship hall)
- Main Temple Golden Hall (at approximately 410m elevation)
Cable car is also available:
- Single ticket from Fumeindo to Tahoto Station: 200 yen
- Overcomes elevation difference in approximately 2 minutes, recommended for those lacking confidence in physical fitness
- However, hiking is recommended to experience the work’s atmosphere
4. Sojogadani (Sojogadani)
Important scene in the work:
An important spot explicitly mentioned in the work as the location where Heiji Hattori was attacked by the culprit. Tense scenes unfold where he is targeted by the culprit’s bow.
Actual location:
Sojogadani is in the inner sanctum area of Kurama Temple, located further inside the Main Temple and Golden Hall. Legends remain here that Ushiwaka Maru learned military strategy from a tengu.
Access:
- Approximately 20 to 30 minutes walk from the Main Temple Golden Hall
- On a mountain path toward the Kifune Shrine direction
- Somewhat steep mountain trails, so comfortable shoes and appropriate clothing are essential
Points for visiting:
Sojogadani Fudo Hall is located here, with a mystical atmosphere of quietude. Remembering the work’s scenes while visiting will deepen the emotional experience.
5. Path of Tree Roots (Kinonemichi)
Depiction in the work:
Appearing as an important place that creates the mystical atmosphere flowing through the entire work. The unique landscape where the roots of towering cedars spread across the ground like exposed networks is particularly impressive.
Actual highlights:
- A spectacular sight of exposed cedar tree roots from centuries-old trees intertwined in complex patterns
- A fantastic space created by centuries-old cedar groves
- Due to Kurama Mountain’s geology (hard bedrock), roots don’t extend deep into the soil but grow across the surface, creating beautiful natural formations
Location:
Positioned on the mountain path toward the inner sanctum from the Main Temple Golden Hall, before Sojogadani.
Photography tips:
- Soft morning light is recommended
- Low-angle shots emphasizing the texture of tree roots are effective
- Weekday early mornings with fewer visitors are ideal
6. Maodo Hall of the Inner Sanctum
Located at the deepest part of Kurama Temple, Maodo Hall enshrines the Demon King Honored One (Sanat Kumara), said to have descended from Venus 6.5 million years ago. Overlapping with the work’s mystical worldview, it is also known as a power spot.
From the Main Temple Golden Hall via Maodo Hall to Kifune Shrine:
- Time required: Approximately 1 to 1.5 hours
- Distance: Approximately 2km
- Elevation change: Approximately 200m descent
By following this route, you can fully experience the atmosphere of Kurama Mountain, the stage for “Labyrinth of Crossroads.”
Efficient Sacred Pilgrimage Route
Half-day Course Visiting Only Kurama Temple (Time required: approximately 3 to 4 hours)
9:00 Depart from Kyoto Station
↓ (approximately 50 minutes by subway and Eizan Electric Railway)
9:50 Arrive at Kurama Station, visit station building (15 minutes)
↓ (5 minutes walk)
10:10 Arrive at Kurama Temple Niomon Gate, enter temple
↓ (walk or cable car)
10:40 Arrive at Main Temple Golden Hall, make offerings (30 minutes)
↓ (walk)
11:30 Explore Path of Tree Roots and Sojogadani (60 minutes)
12:30 Return to Main Temple Golden Hall
↓ (hike down)
13:15 Arrive at Kurama Station, lunch
14:00 Depart from Kurama Station
Full-day Course for Kurama and Kifune Set (Time required: approximately 6 to 7 hours)
9:00 Depart from Kyoto Station
↓
9:50 Arrive at Kurama Station
↓
10:10 Enter Kurama Temple from Niomon Gate
↓
11:00 Worship at Main Temple Golden Hall
↓
11:30 Head toward Kifune via Path of Tree Roots and Sojogadani
↓
13:00 Arrive at Kifune Shrine Upper Sanctum via Maodo Hall of Inner Sanctum
↓
13:30 Worship at Kifune Shrine Main Hall (a famous location used on the work’s poster)
↓
14:30 Dine at river-bed restaurant or eat in Kifune
↓
16:00 Return via Eizan Electric Railway from Kifunejiguchi Station
Merits of this route:
- The mountain-crossing route from Kurama to Kifune allows you to experience the work’s worldview
- Efficiently tour major stages of “Labyrinth of Crossroads”
- Kifune Shrine is also an important pilgrimage spot featured in the work
Two-day Course Combining Other Sacred Sites in Kyoto
Day 1: Central Kyoto
- Kiyomizu Temple
- Gojo Bridge (legendary site of Ushiwaka Maru and Benkei)
- Gojo Tenmangu Shrine
- Benkei Stone
- Keage Incline
- Nanzenji Temple
Day 2: Kurama and Kifune Area
- Kurama Temple
- Kifune Shrine
- Modoriashi Bridge
- Rokakudo Temple
- Butsukaoji Temple
With this two-day course, you can cover almost all major sacred sites from “Labyrinth of Crossroads.”
Precautions and Manners When Visiting
Clothing and Belongings
Essential items:
- Comfortable walking shoes (sneakers or hiking boots): Many stone steps and mountain trails
- Comfortable clothing: Frequent climbing and descending stairs
- Drinks: Limited vending machines
- Towels and sweat wipes: Especially essential in summer
Useful to have:
- Lightweight backpack: Keeps both hands free for safety
- Rain wear: Mountain weather changes easily
- Insect repellent: Especially in summer
- Mobile battery: Due to extensive photography
Worship Manners
Kurama Temple is both a tourist destination and a place of worship.
Manners to observe:
- Photography is prohibited inside the main temple (exterior can be photographed)
- Avoid loud conversations
- Be considerate not to disturb other worshippers
- Always take trash with you
- Do not stray from designated pilgrimage routes
Tips to Avoid Crowds
Peak seasons:
- Spring cherry blossom season (early to mid-April)
- Autumn foliage season (mid to late November)
- Golden Week
- Weekends and holidays
Recommended visiting times:
- Weekday mornings (especially Tuesday through Thursday)
- Fresh green season in June
- Clear autumn days from late September to early October
Visiting early morning (around 9:00 when the temple opens) allows you to enjoy sacred pilgrimage leisurely in a quiet atmosphere.
History and Attractions of Kurama Temple
History of Kurama Temple
Kurama Temple is an ancient temple said to have been founded in 770 (Hoki 1) by Ganjin Wajou’s disciple, Ganjou Shonin. In the Heian period, it is known as the place where Ushiwaka Maru (later Minamoto no Yoshitsune) trained from age 7 to 10, and is also famous for tengu legends.
Currently, as the head temple of Kurama Hirako Kyodan, it maintains a unique form of faith. The unique doctrine centers on “Tenzon” (a trinity of Bishamon Tenno, Thousand-armed Kannon, and the Demon King Honored One).
Connection to Yoshitsune (Ushiwaka Maru) Legend
The core of “Labyrinth of Crossroads” contains legends of Minamoto no Yoshitsune and Musashibou Benkei.
Kurama Temple’s connection to Yoshitsune:
- In 1159, after losing his father Minamoto no Yoshitomo in the Heiji Rebellion, young Ushiwaka Maru was placed in Kurama Temple
- He spent ages 7 to 16 at Kurama Temple, honing his martial skills
- Legend says he learned military strategy from a tengu in Sojogadani Valley
- He supposedly practiced swordsmanship on the Path of Tree Roots
This historical background deeply connects with the work’s worldview, providing deeper emotional resonance during sacred pilgrimage.
Other Attractions
Yuki Shrine:
- The tutelary shrine of Kurama Temple
- National treasure worship hall (rebuilt in 1607)
- Large cryptomeria tree “Daisugi-san” with approximately 800-year history
- Famous for Kurama’s Fire Festival on October 22 annually
Kongobasho in Front of the Main Temple Golden Hall:
- A power spot where cosmic energy is believed to gather
- Characterized by hexagram pattern
- Many worshippers meditate and pray here
Reihokan (Kurama Mountain Museum):
- Exhibits Kurama Temple’s history and cultural properties
- Three floors: Natural Science Garden, Temple Treasure Exhibition Hall, Yosano Akiko Memorial Hall
- Admission: 200 yen (separate from entrance fee)
Surrounding Sacred Pilgrimage Spots
Kifune Shrine
Importance in the work:
One of the most important pilgrimage sites featured in “Labyrinth of Crossroads,” used on the work’s poster. The stone steps lined with vermillion lanterns are particularly impressive.
Highlights:
- Main Hall: Famous as a shrine for romantic matchmaking
- Upper Sanctum: A place of mystical atmosphere
- Yui no Yashiro: Enshrines the fortune for romantic connections
- Water divination charms: Characters appear when water is poured
Access from Kurama Temple:
- Mountain-crossing hiking route: Approximately 1 to 1.5 hours
- Return to Kurama Station once, then Eizan Electric Railway to Kifunejiguchi Station: Approximately 15 minutes, then bus or walk approximately 25 minutes
Keage Incline
An important scene in the work where Conan and Heiji continue their investigation. The remains of an incline railway for Lake Biwa Canal, with charming retro atmosphere.
Access:
Directly at Keage Station on the Subway Tozai Line
Nanzenji Temple
A large head temple of the Rinzai Sect located just near Keage Incline. Its water conduit appears in the work.
Highlights:
- Water conduit: Beautiful Meiji-era brick construction with arches
- Sanmon Gate: A national treasure famous for “What a magnificent view!”
- Shoin Garden: A master work of Zen garden design
Dining and Rest Spots
Around Kurama Station
Yosshuro:
- Restaurant in front of Kurama Station
- Kyoto local cuisine such as sansho bud simmering
- Operating hours: 11:00 to 17:00 or so (irregular holidays)
Tamon-do:
- Tea shop in front of Kurama Temple Niomon Gate
- Sweet sake, oden, light meals
- Perfect for resting
Kifune Area
River-bed dining:
Summer (approximately May to September) allows you to enjoy dining on river-beds along Kifune River.
- Budget: Lunch 5,000 yen and up, dinner 10,000 yen and up
- Reservations recommended (especially weekends)
Hirofumi:
- Famous as the birthplace of flowing noodles
- Summer-only operation
- Budget: 1,500 yen and up
Photography Spots and Instagram-Worthy Points
Kurama Station Tengu Statue
A large tengu object in front of the station is a symbol of Kurama. It’s a standard memorial photography spot.
Photography tips:
- Photograph together with the tengu statue like a face-out panel
- Spectacular atmosphere when photographed with Eizan Electric Railway trains
Kifune Shrine’s Lantern Stone Steps
Stone steps lined with vermillion lanterns represent the landscape of “Labyrinth of Crossroads.”
Best shot:
- Looking up from the bottom of the stairs
- Particularly fantastical at dusk or snowy days
- Snow-season illumination (limited to Saturday in January to February) is spectacular
Path of Tree Roots
The mystical atmosphere of the Path of Tree Roots is a photography spot where you can feel the work’s worldview.
Photography tips:
- Macro photography emphasizing tree root texture
- Using dappled sunlight for light effects
- Placing people small in the frame to express the grandeur of nature
Watch “Labyrinth of Crossroads” Before Visiting
To enjoy sacred pilgrimage more, we strongly recommend watching the work beforehand.
Services where you can view (as of 2024)
- Hulu: Detective Conan theatrical film series currently being distributed
- Netflix: Occasional limited-time distribution
- Amazon Prime Video: Rental and purchase available
- U-NEXT: Included in unlimited viewing (subject to change)
- dAnime Store: Theatrical film distribution available
Work highlights
- Love story between Heiji Hattori and Kazuha Toyama
- Beautiful Kyoto landscape depictions
- Meticulous mystery interwoven with Yoshitsune legends
- Mai Kuraki’s theme song “Time after time～Flowers Dancing in the City～”
Visiting after watching the work allows you to experience the setting of each scene and multiplies emotional impact.
Conclusion: Maximizing Your Enjoyment of Kurama Temple Sacred Pilgrimage
Kurama Temple is a particularly important stage in “Labyrinth of Crossroads” and a sacred site where you can most deeply experience the work’s worldview.
Tips for successful sacred pilgrimage:
- Don’t neglect preparation: Watch the work, confirm access, prepare clothing
- Allow ample time: Since the entire mountain is Kurama Temple’s grounds, allocate at least 3 to 4 hours
- Comfortable clothing and shoes: Essential due to many mountain trails and stairs
- Observe manners: Remember it is a place of worship
- Choose the season: Fresh green in June or autumn foliage in November are particularly recommended
- Visit early morning: Avoid crowds and enjoy the quiet atmosphere
Sacred pilgrimage centered on Kurama Temple will become a special experience for Detective Conan fans. You can simultaneously enjoy immersing yourself in the work’s world while appreciating Kyoto’s history and natural beauty—truly a win-win journey.
The Sojogadani where Heiji confronted the culprit, the mystical Path of Tree Roots, and the entire atmosphere of Kurama Mountain where Ushiwaka Maru trained—please visit and experience these firsthand. Your understanding and affection for the work will surely deepen further.
Enjoy your special sacred pilgrimage journey where Kyoto’s charm and Detective Conan’s world merge to the fullest.
