Takao - Kyoto Daytrip

Takao is a lovely village in the Kitayama Mountains about 15 kilometers northwest of Kyoto. It rivals Kurama and Kibune as the single best daytrip out of Kyoto for nature lovers.

Two men walk along a path alongside Jingo-ji Buddhist temple in Osaka, Japan, under a canopy of colourful autumn leaves

Jingo-ji Buddhist temple: NH / Shutterstock.com

Takao Area Description

About one 50 minutes northwest of Kyoto by bus, Takao feels like worlds away. It’s a small village that’s home to three superb temples: Jingo-ji, Saimyo-ji and Kozan-ji. The first two easily rank among my most favorite temples in the Kyoto area. Best of all, you can do a brilliant hike from Takao down to Hozukyo (on the JR Sagano-San-in Line).

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Takao Highlights

Stone stairs leading to Jingoji Temple Main Hall in Kyoto, Japan with overhanging green foliage

Jingo-ji Temple: Alon Adika / Shutterstock.com

Things To Do And See In Takao

Jingo-ji Temple
Easily one of the most beautiful temples in the Kyoto Area, Jingo-ji Temple makes the perfect half-day or day-trip out of the city.

Saimyo-ji Temple

Saimyo-ji Temple
A short distance up the river from Jingo-ji Temple, this fine (and free) pocket temple is a real charmer and should not be missed.
Kozan-ji Temple
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kosan-ji Temple is the least appealing of the three main temples in Takao, but it’s still worth a visit for the huge cedars that line the approach.

Kiyotaki, a small valley on the Kiyotaki River in the northwest of Kyoto, seen with bright autumn leaves and bridge across the rock-lined water

Takao to Hozukyo Hike: TonyIshio / Shutterstock.com

Hiking from Takao to Kiyotaki or Hozukyo
The hike from the hamlet of Takao down through the mountains west of Kyoto to the train station at Hozukyo is one of the best day hikes near Kyoto. It includes two superb temples, a crystal-clear river and a magical waterfall.

Places To Stay In Takao

Momijiya Annex Kawa-no-iori
(View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
Momijiya Annex is a magical riverside retreat with private cabins and private outdoor bathtubs. It’s a fantastic choice for a one- or two-day retreat from the world.

Getting To Takao

By bus from Kyoto Station: Take a JR bus from the stand outside Kyoto Station and get off at the Yamashiro Takao stop (50 minutes, ¥500). From the bus stop, walk down the steps about 50 meters before the bus stop.
By bus from Nijo Station: Take Kyoto City Bus #8 and get off at Takao. From the bus stop, walk down the steps about 50 meters before the bus stop.

Destination

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Kyoto Vacation Checklist

ESSENTIALS – For all the essentials in a brief overview, see my First Time In Kyoto guide
HOTELS – Check Kyoto accommodation availability on Booking.com and Agoda.com - often you can book with no upfront payment and free cancellation
BULLET TRAIN – You can buy shinkansen (bullet train) tickets online from Klook - popular routes include Tokyo to Kyoto, Kyoto to Osaka and Kyoto to Tokyo
WHERE TO STAY – Need tips on where to stay? See my one page guide Where To Stay In Kyoto
PACKING LIST – See my comprehensive Packing List For Japan
SIM CARDS – 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
FLIGHTS – Compare Japan flight prices and timings to find the best deals
JAPAN RAIL PASS – 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
TRAVEL INSURANCE – World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while traveling and claim online from anywhere in the world
WANT HELP? – Do you want help planning your trip? Chris Rowthorn and his team of Japan experts at Japan Travel Consulting can help

Kyoto District Map

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About InsideKyoto.com and Chris Rowthorn

Chris Rowthorn is the co-founder of InsideKyoto.com and has an unparalleled travel knowledge of Kyoto spanning three decades. Chris has written or commissioned and edited every page on the Inside Kyoto website.
A former author of Lonely Planet Kyoto and Lonely Planet Japan guidebooks, Chris is also the director of the Kyoto walking tour company Chris Rowthorn Tours, and Japan Travel Consulting, where you can get bespoke travel advice for your Japan trip.
InsideKyoto.com has been cited by the New York Times and The Times of London, among many other publications and websites.