Kyoto is Japan's ancient imperial capital, home to over 1,600 Buddhist temples, 400 Shinto shrines, and 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Once the seat of the Japanese emperor for over a millennium, the city preserves traditional culture, geisha districts, and stunning gardens that contrast beautifully with modern urban life.
Top trails
Routes worth lacing up your boots for.
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1
Fushimi Inari Mountain Trail
Starting from the famous torii gate tunnel at Fushimi Inari Shrine, the trail climbs through thousands of vermillion torii gates up Mt. Inari through dense forest. The trail passes four smaller sanctuaries before reaching the Ichinotsuji peak with views over Kyoto. You do not need to reach the summit - even the first 30-45 minutes through the densest torii gates is spectacular.
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2
Kurama-Kibune Mountain Trail
A beautiful mountain trail connecting the two sacred valleys of Kurama (Kurama-dera temple) and Kibune (Kifune Shrine) through ancient cedar forest. Start at either end and finish at the other. The forested trail passes through Okusha, the inner sanctuary of Kurama-dera at the mountain summit, before descending to the other valley.
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3
Arashiyama Mountains (Okochi Sanso Garden Trail)
The hilltop garden of silent-film star Okochi Denjiro in the Arashiyama mountains offers a circuit trail through beautifully maintained Japanese gardens with panoramic views over Kyoto and the Arashiyama district. The garden fee includes a tea ceremony set at the end of the circuit.
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4
Nakayama-dera and Mt. Nakayama Trail
A less-visited mountain trail south of Kyoto near Takarazuka, combining the historic Nakayama-dera temple (famous for safe childbirth) with a forest trail climbing to Mt. Nakayama and the Chugai Pharmacautical Forest. Beautiful cedar forest and seasonal wildflowers.
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5
Mt. Atago Pilgrimage Trail
Mt. Atago (924m) is the highest peak near Kyoto and a sacred mountain with the Atago Shrine at its summit dedicated to the god of fire prevention. The pilgrimage trail through dense forest is a significant physical challenge but the summit views are exceptional on clear days. A beloved trail for serious Kyoto hikers.
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6
Daimonji Mountain (Mt. Nyoigatake)
The mountain behind Ginkaku-ji where one of the five famous Daimonji bonfires (the 'Dai' 大 character) is lit on August 16. The hiking trail from Ginkaku-ji to the fire platform and summit offers some of the best panoramic views over Kyoto from the east side. The stone fire platform for the bonfire ceremony is fascinating to see.
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7
Tokai Nature Trail (Kyoto Section)
Japan's longest long-distance trail (1,697km total from Tokyo to Osaka) passes through Kyoto Prefecture, connecting Kiyomizu-dera with Fushimi Inari along the Higashiyama ridge and then continuing to Kobe. The Kyoto section through the Higashiyama Hills is well-marked and offers a unique ridge-walk perspective on the city.
Trail difficulty levels
Pick a route that matches your fitness and experience.
Mostly flat, well-marked paths. Suitable for families and casual walkers.
Some elevation gain, longer distances. Requires basic fitness.
Significant climbs and exposure. Requires good fitness and route-finding.
Technical terrain, scrambling, or alpine conditions. Experience essential.
Local hazards
What to watch out for on the trail.
Sudden weather changes — always carry rain gear and warm layers.
Wildlife encounters — make noise on the trail and store food properly.
Trail conditions can deteriorate after rain — check recent reports before setting out.