Best Hikes Near Kyoto

– My Personal Recommendations

Kyoto is surrounded by mountains on three sides, which means great hiking is never far away. Whether you have just a few hours or a full day, there’s a trail for you.

Here are some of my favorite hikes that I’ve walked myself. I’ll share how long each one takes, how difficult it is, and what makes it special.

1. Mt. Hiei (比叡山) – Sacred Peak with World Heritage Temple

⏱ Hiking Time: 3–5 hours (depending on route)

🥾 Difficulty: Moderate

You can climb from Sakamoto in Shiga Prefecture or take the scenic cable car partway up. At the summit, you’ll find Enryaku-ji (延暦寺), a UNESCO World Heritage site and the head temple of the Tendai sect of Buddhism. The temple complex is quiet and atmospheric, especially in the early morning.

Near Konpon Chūdō (根本中堂), you can enjoy a meal at Tsuruki Soba (鶴喜そば)—perfect after a long hike.

2. Mt. Daimonji (大文字山) – The Classic Kyoto View

⏱ Hiking Time: About 1 hour to the summit from Ginkaku-ji (銀閣寺)

🥾 Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

If you’re looking for a short but rewarding hike, Mt. Daimonji is the safest bet in Kyoto. The trail starts right beside Ginkaku-ji Temple and leads to a huge hillside clearing where you can see the entire Kyoto cityscape.

If you know the route well, you can continue to Keage (蹴上), turning it into a half-day adventure. This trail is also popular with trail runners.

3. Mt. Atago (愛宕山) – A Full-Day Pilgrimage

⏱ Hiking Time: 5–7 hours round trip

🥾 Difficulty: Moderate to Hard

From the famous tourist area of Arashiyama, you can reach the trailhead at Kiyotaki (清滝). The climb to the summit leads to Atago Shrine (愛宕神社), a sacred site many locals visit for blessings against fire.

This is a full-day commitment, so bring enough food and water. The long ascent through cedar forests feels like stepping back in time.

4. Mt. Hōrai (蓬莱山) – Lake Biwa Panorama

⏱ Hiking Time: 4–6 hours

🥾 Difficulty: Moderate

Access can be tricky—public buses are limited, or you’ll need a car—but if you have the chance, Mt. Hōrai in the Hira Mountains is unforgettable. The ridge walk offers sweeping views over Lake Biwa (琵琶湖), Japan’s largest lake.

In winter, the area becomes a ski resort, and you can even descend by gondola if the lift is operating. This is one of my personal favorites for a “big mountain” feel near Kyoto.

5. Konze Alps (金勝アルプス) – Rocks, Ridges, and Adventure

⏱ Hiking Time: 3–4 hours

🥾 Difficulty: Moderate

Known as the “Kōnan Alps,” this small but rugged range in Shiga is famous for its unique rock formations. The highlight is Tengu Rock (天狗岩), which offers dramatic views, though not recommended if you’re afraid of heights.

Despite being a low mountain, the route involves scrambling over boulders and along narrow ridges, so expect to get a bit tired. Access is easy from Kyoto via JR Kusatsu Station and a short bus ride.