These 7 top hikes in Kyoto offer scenery, city views and mountaintop temples

19.01.2024 - 10:21 / lonelyplanet.com

While most visitors make their way to Kyoto to take in the rich history of the ancient capital of Japan, nature lovers come for the hiking trails – both well-trodden and off-the-beaten-path – that snake across Kyoto Prefecture.

Forested paths wind through the stunning mountain ranges that surround Kyoto on three sides, providing opportunities for a soothing and renewing day trip. Though the list of hikes in the region is limitless, the following trails provide some of the most spectacular views in the prefecture.

Best hike for picnicking 
11km (7 miles) one way, 4–6 hours, easy to moderate

This enjoyable walk combines atmospheric temples, a charming river and an atmospheric waterfall, making for a thoroughly enchanting day out. To access the trail, take a bus towards Takao and alight at Yamashirotakao, then head down to the river via a set of steps marked with a sign saying "Hiking Course." Before you set off on the hike itself, it's worth stopping by Saimyō-ji and Jingo-ji; both temples have beautiful grounds to explore and are far less busy than temples in the city center. 

When you're ready, follow the trail along the banks of the Kiyotaki River. It's a pleasant route that meanders beside emerald waters through a valley surrounded by forested mountains. About halfway along, you'll come across an area with wide gravel banks and picnic tables that makes for an ideal lunch spot.

Having fueled up, you can take a detour to the Kuya-no-Taki waterfall. Hidden deep in the forest, this is an especially atmospheric part of the hike that takes you past abandoned shrine buildings and through a torii (gate) to reach a tinkling, mossy cascade.

Back on the main path, head down to Kiyotaki village, and you'll pass the entrance to the trail that leads up Mt Atago. Continue to follow the river, across bridges and through tunnels, until you join the road that takes you to Hozukyō Station; from here, it's a 20-minute train ride back to Kyoto Station. 

Best hike for mesmerizing photos
5km (3 miles) round trip, 3 hours, easy to moderate

One of Kyoto's most iconic sites, the ancient shrine of Fushimi Inari-Taisha lies at the southern end of the city. It's the most revered of thousands of shrines around Japan dedicated to Inari, the Shinto god of rice. Foxes are thought to be Inari's messengers, which explains the many fox statues scattered across the shrine grounds.

The shrine is famous for the 10,000 vermilion torii that form tunnels snaking around the 233m (765ft) Mt Inari. Most tourists walk through the first 100m (330ft) of gates, take their Instagram shots, then turn around and head to the surrounding souvenir shops before making their way to the next sightseeing spot. Yet the best way to get the full Fushimi Inari