Kyoto is known for the brilliant history of a former imperial capital. However, nature lovers are drawn to its magical and well-trodden hiking trails. Kyoto Prefecture is surrounded by mountain ranges on all three sides, welcoming tourists with a pathway of forested alpines that beg to be explored.
Even though there are numerous hiking options in Kyoto, we have made a list of the ones with the most beautiful views below.
If you’ve heard of Kyoto, you cannot miss out on the ancient shrine of Fushimi Inari-Taisha. This can be found in the southern outskirts of the city. Out of all the thousands of shrines devoted to Inari, the Shinto god of rice, this is the most popular and respected. Inari’s messengers are considered to be foxes. Hence, you will find loads of fox statues located in the shrine.
Widely visited for the 10,000 vermilion torii gates forming tunnels that surround Mt Inari, tourists pass through the first 100 meters of tunnels in awe as they make Instagram stories, capture display pictures, and pay a quick visit to souvenir shops before they pack up and head to the next sightseeing spot.
However, if you want the complete Fushimi Inari experience that will blow you away, you should hike the entire journey so that you can get a real feel of the torii trails that surround the mountain. The shrine’s main buildings mark the start of the hiking path, leading to Mt Inari’s wooded forests (233 meters).
Explore miniature shrines, shop at the cute little stores, try the specials from the eateries along the hiking trail, bag a souvenir for your loved ones or home collection, and gain back all that lost energy with some kitsune udon (thick noodles made in a broth along with some sweet fried tofu). Don’t forget to try the matcha green tea ice cream cone- we promise that it will transport you into a whole new world.
Once you finish the hike, give yourself a pat on the back and head towards the close-by Fushimi sake district for a tipple. Here, there are crowds of sake breweries located in an old space. This area had preserved an ancient townscape from the Edo Period (1603-1868).
• Hiking time: Approximately 2.5 to 3 hours.
• Distance: Approximately 5 kilometers.
• Difficulty level: Easy to moderate
• Ways to get there: Choose the Keihan train line to Fushimi-Inari Station. You can also take the JR line to Inari Station.
Fushimi Inari Shrine
According to the World Heritage, Daigo-ji is one of the most important temples of the Shingon sect of Japanese Buddhism. This spacious temple lies towards the southeast of central Kyoto and can be seen over the whole mountainside of Daigoyama. The temple grounds can be found at the base of the mountain. These are interlinked to a collection of temple buildings located around the summit through a marvelous hiking trail.
Attractive, magical, and a beautiful sight all year round, Daigo-ji becomes absolutely stunning in the autumn and spring months. At the back of the temple area, you can start your hike. Keep in mind that to enter, you have to pay 1500 Yen for adult hikers during spring and autumn, and 800 Yen during the other seasons. While the forest pathways can be hard on the calves due to their steep nature, you must make your way to the top of the mountain and cross the waterfall at Shimo Daigo. Fun fact: This waterfall is man-made!
Kami Daigo, located towards the upper end, is a popular bamboo grove that hikers visit to make their way to the original buildings that are located at the summit. When you reach the top, you will be mesmerized by the brilliant views towards the south- mainly Nara and Osaka.
• Hiking time: Approximately 2 to 3 hours.
• Distance: Approximately 5 kilometers.
• Difficulty level: Easy to moderate
• Ways to get there: Use the Kyoto Tonzai subway line to reach the Daigo Station. From there, walk 15 minutes to the east of the temple.
Daigo-ji Temple
Even though Kibune is only half an hour north of the Eizan train line, it feels far, far away from Kyoto City. The Kibune to Kurama route is known to be the most accessible hike that only takes half the day. The perfect shrines, mountain temples, gushing rivers, wonderfully green forests, and peaceful villages tug at all the strings of the heart.
To experience this beauty, make your way to the Kibune-Guchi Station on the Eizan Train Line. Then, walk 2 kilometers towards the river towards Kifune Shrine. Once you reach here, you will be face-to-face with a stone staircase on each side dotted with red wooden lanterns. Follow these, and you will arrive at Kifune Shrine’s main hall.
When you make your way to Kifune Shrine’s main hall and follow the route for a couple of hundred meters, you will come across a tiny vermilion bridge. This will lead you over the Kibune River and help you make your way to Mt Kurama. This trek from Kibune to the village of Kurama is considered to be relatively easy.
There are many religious sites hidden away along the forest pathway. Some natural wonders such as Kinone-sando can also be found if you pay attention while hiking. This rugged terrain is known to be the tree root path as nature has made the roots shoot out of the ground in such a way that all hikers, visitors, and tourists are amazed at the beauty that lays hidden around Mother Earth.
At the end of the hike, you will finally arrive at the temple Kurama-dera. As you make your way through Nio-mon- the gate of the guardians- the town of Kurama will lie in front of you. Here, conventional Japanese wooden houses called nagaya take up most of the space. However, if you continue to walk through the quiet streets for 5 minutes, you will arrive at Kurama Onsen.
This hot spring bubbles with minerals and is rich in hydrogen sulfide. In fact, tourists from all over the world bathe in the spring because of its skin rejuvenation powers. Believe us when we say that there is nothing better than bathing here after you finish your hike. The scene mountain view cannot be compared to any other place in the world as you end your day by exploring the magical trails of Mt Kurama.
• Hiking time: Approximately 2 to 3 hours.
• Distance: Approximately 5 kilometers.
• Difficulty level: Easy
• Ways to get there: Use the Kibune-Guchi Station along the Eizan train line.
Kurama Shrine
The Daimonji hike is one of the shortest, sweetest, and most pleasant hikes that will show you the city of Kyoto in all its beauty. The hike starts and ends at the silver temple of Ginkaku-ji located in Northern Higashiyama. However, the hike is steep- the 220 meters ascent needs to be crossed from the main gate of the Ginkaku-ji Temple to reach the main spots.
To make your way to the Mt Daimonji Climb, make a left before you enter. Walk for a minute till you come across the stone torii gate. Make a left right before the gate and continue walking for two minutes until you come face-to-face with a small shrine. Make a right here and hike up the hill so that you reach the base of the hike.
Once you get past the bridge crossing, a couple of flights of log steps, an easy scree slope, and three flights of concrete stairs, you will have completed half the hike. Then, you need to take a few more steps to the end of the hike, where the Daimonji viewpoint opens up. Towards your right, you will be amazed at the beautiful view of Kyoto City, making your hike completely worth it.
If you’re feeling pumped up and have some bits of stored energy, make your way to the true summit of Mt Daimonji by walking for another 20 minutes. However, this is completely up to you. We’re pretty sure that you will get lost in the wonderful views that the city has to provide.
• Hiking time: Approximately 1 hour.
• Distance: Approximately 1.5 kilometers.
• Difficulty level: Moderate
• Ways to get there: To get to the Ginkaku-ji Michi stop, take the Kyoto City bus 5. Then, walk your way to Ginkaku-ji.
Mt Daimonji
Walking is the only choice you have if you want to make your way to the 924 meters summit of the highest mountain in Kyoto. It can be found towards the northwest of the city. Even though Mt Atago does not have a ropeway, you can hike here any time of the year. However, we would not advise you to hike here during the winters if you do not have the appropriate hiking equipment or ample hiking experience in icy weather- we assure you that it is very different from hiking in normal weather conditions.
To reach the Mt Atago climb, make your way down the road towards the northwest side and over a bridge. You will come across the trailhead entrance by walking for five minutes and crossing the quiet Kiyotaki village. This is marked by a red torii gate. Here, there are long trail snakes of 4 kilometers that make their way sharply up the mountain. Even though this may sound intimidating, don’t worry- the route is simple and well-marked. However, you will have to climb quite a few stairs that may seem never-ending and, frankly, exhausting. But hey, who said hiking is for the faint-hearted? Before you reach the highest point, you will come across an open area where there are loads of benches for hikers to catch their breath and rest. Here, try to refuel and get back all that lost energy so that you can fully experience the beauty of Kyoto’s outstanding view.
Atago Shrine lies at the summit. You do not have to pay an entry fee here. It holds the utmost significance among residents as it is believed to save humans from any fire-related calamities. Many people visit Mt Atago with their small children so that they can ask for lifelong protection from fire for their entire family.
• Hiking time: Approximately 4 to 6 hours.
• Distance: Approximately 4 kilometers with 924 meters of elevation.
• Difficulty level: Challenging but doable.
• Ways to get there: Take bus 94 or 92 from the Arashiyama Station. Ride it for 12 to 18 minutes and get off at the Kiyotaki bus stop.
Mt Atago
