Kyoto is surrounded by mountains on three sides and these mountains are latticed with hiking trails. Here, we introduce the five best hikes in or near Kyoto.
The view over Kyoto from the Daimonji viewpoint – image © Chris Rowthorn
Hikes in Kyoto
- Mt. Daimonji-yama Climb
This quick climb up Mt Daimonji (behind Ginkaku-ji Temple) offers the best view over Kyoto. It’s the perfect short hike in Kyoto. - Shogunzuka and Seiryuden Hike from Chion-in Temple
This relatively easy hike, that starts from Chion-in Temple in Southern Higashiyama, leads up to a stunning viewpoint over the city. - Fushimi-Inari-Taisha Pilgrimage Circuit
This loop around the shrines around the top of Mt Inari (the mountain of Fushimi-Inari-Taisha Shrine) is a great way to escape the crowds that plague the lower reaches of the shrine. It’s a great half-day jaunt.
Hikes near Kyoto
- Kurama to Kibune Hike
This hike from one village to another in the Kitayama Mountains north of Kyoto, via scenic Kurama-dera Temple, is my favorite half-day trip out of Kyoto. It’s a classic. - Takao to Hozukyo Hike
This lovely hike in the mountains west of the city takes in two great temples and a lovely stretch of riverside walking. It’s a great day out of the city.
More Kyoto Hiking Information And Ideas
For some background on hiking in Kyoto, visit our Best Kyoto Hikes page.
You may also be interested in hiking the Nakasendo, an old mountain route between Kyoto and Tokyo. You can walk the most popular section, Magome to Tsumago, as a daytrip from Kyoto.
There’s also the Kumano Kodo, an ancient pilgrimage trail in the mountains of Wakayama (south of Kyoto) where you can walk with a light pack from guesthouse to guesthouse for a few days.
There’s some pleasant coastal strolling and great onsens and ryokan in the Tango-hanto Peninsula.
Hire A Travel Expert To Plan Your Japan Itinerary
If you would like to hire a travel expert to help you plan your own customised Japan itinerary, please contact my company Japan Travel Consulting to discuss your needs.
Kyoto Vacation Checklist
- For all the essentials in a brief overview, see my First Time In Kyoto guide
- Check Kyoto accommodation availability on Booking.com and Agoda.com - often you can book with no upfront payment and free cancellation
- You can buy shinkansen (bullet train) tickets online from Klook - popular routes include Tokyo to Kyoto, Kyoto to Osaka and Kyoto to Tokyo
- Need tips on where to stay? See my one page guide Where To Stay In Kyoto
- See my comprehensive Packing List For Japan
- You can buy an eSim to activate in Japan or buy a data-only SIM card online for collection when you arrive at Tokyo's Narita or Haneda Airports or Kansai International Airport. You can also rent an unlimited data pocket wifi router
- Compare Japan flight prices and timings to find the best deals
- If you're making frequent train journeys during your visit, you might save money with Japan Rail Pass – see if it's worth it for you
- A prepaid Welcome Suica card makes travelling around Kyoto easy – here's how
- World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while traveling and claim online from anywhere in the world
- Do you want help planning your trip? Chris Rowthorn and his team of Japan experts at Japan Travel Consulting can help
