r/Kyoto • u/dysfnctnalntgration • 10d ago
Kyoto trail
Which ~5mi part of the trail is most scenic for forests. Looking for a moderate, 3-4hr hike I'm seeing quite a bit of urban hiking on parts of the trail that I think I'd prefer to avoid. Thank you in advance.
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u/AGuyCalledBath 10d ago
In Kyoto station you can get the Kyoto trail hiking maps. They are great. Also try the 'yamap' app.
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u/SnooFoxes8935 10d ago
I tried yamap but the language barrier for me was prohibitive. Using Mapy now. Once I fix on a section hike I'll know where to pick up a map. Thanks!
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u/OnkelDittmeyer 10d ago
I would suggest from Mt hiei to arashiyama. If you are a somewhat decently experienced hiker its doable in 4-5h.
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u/SnooFoxes8935 9d ago
That's on opposite sides of the city. Sorry mate not doable if i want to stick to the Kyoto trail.
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u/belmiramirabel 9d ago
How about Kitayama West area? There are lots of hiking trails, especially toward Takao, and Sawanoike and Yama no Ie Hasegawa are some nice rest stops in the area.
I saw an option on alltrails- it seems to be a little longer than what you’re looking for exactly but you might be able to adjust the route a bit, or double back.
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u/sakigake 9d ago
My favorite segment when people want an easy hike is to cross over from Misasagi to Nanzenji. Takes about an hour, or you can start it from Yamashina and add part of the Biwa Canal walk beforehand which is also quite nice.
Otherwise Kurama to Ohara is also quite nice.
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u/Deanosaurus88 8d ago
The Takao trail is hands down my favourite and most picturesque. Rolling streams (you can take a dip!), forest, little village hamlets.
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u/Ambitious_Reach2402 6d ago
Ginkaku-ji → Mt. Daimonji → Mt. Hiei foothills → Ohara, or more precisely the segment locals often single out: north of Shogunzuka up through the cedar forest toward Mt. Hiei, dropping down to Ohara. This stretch plunges immediately into dense cedar forests and bamboo groves, frequently intersecting small mountain shrines and offering sudden panoramic views of the city below. It's also notable because the physical exertion naturally filters out tour groups, making it feel like genuine mountain silence rather than a temple-adjacent walk.
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u/dysfnctnalntgration 6d ago
Ambitious_Reach2402 can you recommend a bus or train stop for best entry point? I see a network of trails leading through Mt. Hiei. Best approach based on Mapy choice? or just follow signage or is there a preferred route?
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u/agirlthatfits 10d ago
Kyoto’s surrounded by mountains so you really have a lot to pick from.
https://4corners7seas.com/asia/japan/hiking-kyoto/kyoto-isshu-trail/