Hiyoshi Taisha and Mt. Hachioji – A Sacred Border and Quiet Hike near Kyoto
#Shiga #Trail Route #GPX File
At the northeast edge of Kyoto—the city’s spiritual “guardian gate” (kimon, 鬼門)—you’ll find Hiyoshi Taisha (日吉大社), an ancient shrine deeply connected to Mt. Hiei and the great Enryaku-ji Temple above. Located in Sakamoto, a historic temple town in Shiga Prefecture, this area is known for its beautiful Anō-shū-style stone walls (穴太衆積み)—a traditional technique of stacking rough stones without mortar.
Unlike the often-crowded temples of Kyoto, Hiyoshi Taisha offers a peaceful and authentic experience. Mossy lanterns, quiet forest paths, and birdsong make it a perfect escape for those seeking calm and tradition. Just behind the shrine, a short trail leads up Mt. Hachioji (八王子山), where sweeping views of Lake Biwa (琵琶湖) reward hikers with a refreshing pause above the town.
📥 GPX files are available at the bottom of the contents.
🥾 Trail Summary: Hiyoshi Taisha to Mt. Hachioji and Back
📍 Route:
JR Hieizan-Sakamoto Station → Hiyoshi Taisha → West Main Shrine (西本宮) → Mt. Hachioji summit (八王子山山頂) → East Main Shrine (東本宮) → Kyuchikurinin Garden (旧竹林院) → JR Hieizan-Sakamoto Station
Optional extensions: Visit Tōshōgū Shrine (東照宮) or ride the Sakamoto Cable up to Enryaku-ji Temple on Mt. Hiei.
🗺️ Basic Info
- ⛰️ Peak Altitude: ~380 m (Mt. Hachioji summit)
- 🥾 Total Distance: About 4.5 km round-trip
- 🕒 Hiking Time: 2.5 to 3 hours (at a relaxed pace with photo and garden stops)
- 🟢 Trail Difficulty: Easy to moderate
- 👟 Recommended Gear: Light hiking shoes or sturdy sneakers
🌿 Route Highlights
Hiyoshi Taisha (日吉大社)
Explore Kyoto’s northeast guardian shrine, filled with quiet charm and ancient energy.
Don’t miss the monkey guardian statues—symbols of protection and victory. You’ll find them standing quietly at the corners of the gates of both the West Main Shrine (西本宮) and the East Main Shrine (東本宮).
🎫 Entry fee: ¥500 (includes both West and East Halls)
Mt. Hachioji Summit (八王子山)
The trail starts behind the West Main Hall (西本宮).
🕒 Climb: ~30–40 min one-way
A short but steady uphill walk (~1 km) leads through forested paths to a peaceful summit.
You’ll be rewarded with beautiful views of Lake Biwa, especially on a clear day.
East Main Hall (東本宮)
After descending, visit this quieter part of the shrine grounds—fewer people, more atmosphere.
Kyuchikurinin (旧竹林院)
A lovely traditional villa with a stunning Japanese garden—a hidden gem, often missed by tourists.
🎫 Entry: ¥330 (closed on Mondays)
Return to JR Hieizan-Sakamoto Station
Stroll through the historic district of Sakamoto, passing many Anō-shū stone walls along the way.
🔁 Optional Add-Ons
Sakamoto Tōshōgū Shrine (坂本東照宮)
A beautiful shrine dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu, known for its elaborate carvings and bold colors.
Sakamoto Cable Car (坂本ケーブル)
Japan’s longest cable car ride takes you up to Mt. Hiei and Enryaku-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
🎫 Round-trip fare: ¥1,640 / 🚋 Ride time: ~11 minutes
🚉 Getting There from Kyoto Station
By Train – Affordable & Easy
- JR Kosei Line → Hieizan-Sakamoto Station
- ⏱️ ~14 min
- 💴 ¥320 (Special Rapid)
- 🚶 ~20-min walk to Hiyoshi Taisha
- Keihan Ishiyama-Sakamoto Line → Sakamoto-Hieizanguchi Station
- 🚶 Only a 5-minute walk to the shrine
Tip: Use JR for speed, Keihan for closer access.
Final Thoughts
This hike is a perfect mix of quiet nature and historic beauty—all just a short ride from Kyoto Station. Whether you’re traveling solo or with friends, this peaceful loop through Sakamoto offers a unique, crowd-free glimpse into Japan’s sacred landscape.
📥 GPX files are completely free—download below and use in your favorite app!
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Yamato
Yamato
