Mt. Daimonji - Spring Hike from Demachiyanagi to Keage

Spring in Kyoto is already special, but hiking through cherry blossoms in full bloom makes it unforgettable.

On a fresh April morning in 2025, I headed out alone from Demachiyanagi Station to meet my friends in front of Ginkaku-ji (銀閣寺). From there, the four of us began a half-day hike: climbing Mt. Daimonji (大文字山) and descending to Keage (蹴上). Along the way, we enjoyed seasonal flowers, steaming coffee at the summit, and the lively charm of Kyoto in spring.

From Demachiyanagi to the Trailhead

I arrived at Keihan Line Demachiyanagi Station (出町柳駅) just after sunrise. The area is great for stocking up before your hike—there’s a small onigiri shop (rice balls wrapped in seaweed) nearby, perfect for a picnic.

Walking east and before crossing Hyakumanben intersection (百万遍) near Kyoto University, I passed a mix of cafés, a public bathhouse (sento), Saizeriya, McDonald’s, and several konbini (convenience stores). This is the last convenient place for snacks or drinks before entering the trail.

Crossing Shirakawa Street (白川通り), I found the canal lined with cherry trees in full bloom—petals falling like gentle snow. By the time I reached Ginkaku-ji around 8:00 a.m., the temple wasn’t open yet, but the nearby cafés were already serving breakfast.

Climbing Mt. Daimonji

The trail to Mt. Daimonji begins just beside Ginkaku-ji. It’s well-maintained and not steep—comfortable sneakers are fine.

The first landmark is the hidoko (火床), the giant fire bed used for the famous Daimonji bonfire during the Obon festival in August. From there, it’s about 15 minutes to the summit.

At the top, Kyoto spread out beneath us like a painted scroll. We unpacked our coffee gear—gas burner, kettle, mugs—and brewed fresh coffee in the cool mountain air. Sipping hot coffee while gazing over the city is one of my favorite hiking rituals. We shared snacks and chatted while the breeze carried the scent of pine.

Descending to Keage

From the summit, the trail toward Keage is longer and gentler than the reverse route, making it a pleasant descent. By mid-morning, the temperature had warmed up, and more hikers appeared—some in groups, some solo.

Along the way, purple yamatsutsuji (mountain azaleas) were in bloom, adding bursts of color to the green path.

When we reached Keage, the scene was completely different—crowds filled the streets under canopies of cherry blossoms. This year’s bloom was especially beautiful, with no rain to spoil the petals.

We ended our hike with lunch at a traditional teishoku (set meal) restaurant before going our separate ways.

Practical Information

• Route: Demachiyanagi → Kyoto University → Ginkaku-ji → Mt. Daimonji → Keage
• Time Needed: About 3–4 hours (including breaks)
• Best Season: Late April for both cherry blossoms and azaleas
• Footwear: Sneakers or light hiking shoes
• Supplies: Buy snacks/drinks near Demachiyanagi or Hyakumanben
• Tip: Arrive early to enjoy quieter trails and less crowded views

Conclusion

This hike is a perfect example of why I love Kyoto’s mountains: easy access from the city, rewarding views, and seasonal beauty all in a single morning. From the peaceful cherry-lined streets near Demachiyanagi to the vibrant crowds of Keage, the route offers both quiet nature and the lively spirit of spring in Kyoto.

If you’re visiting during cherry blossom season, bring a camera, some snacks, and maybe even your coffee kit—you might just create a memory you’ll carry long after you leave.