Explore these 7 breathtaking hikes in Kyoto for stunning scenery, city vistas, and mountaintop temples.

While many travelers flock to Kyoto to experience the ancient capital's rich heritage, nature enthusiasts are drawn to its hiking trails—both popular and hidden—that meander through Kyoto Prefecture.

Winding forest paths traverse the magnificent mountain ranges encircling Kyoto, offering a perfect opportunity for a refreshing day trip. While the region boasts countless hiking options, the following trails showcase some of the most breathtaking views in the prefecture.

1. Takao-to-Hozukyō Riverside Hike

Ideal hike for picnicking 11km (7 miles) one way, 4–6 hours, easy to moderate

This delightful walk features scenic temples, a picturesque river, and a captivating waterfall, making it a perfect day trip. To start the trail, take a bus to Takao and get off at Yamashirotakao, then follow the steps marked 'Hiking Course' down to the river. Before beginning your hike, consider visiting Saimyō-ji and Jingo-ji; both temples offer beautiful grounds to wander and are much quieter than those in the city center.

When you're set, follow the path along the Kiyotaki River. This pleasant trail winds beside the emerald waters through a valley embraced by lush mountains. About halfway, you'll find an area with spacious gravel banks and picnic tables, perfect for a lunch break.

After refueling, you can take a side trip to the Kuya-no-Taki waterfall. Nestled deep in the woods, this enchanting part of the hike leads you past abandoned shrine structures and through a torii gate to discover a gentle, moss-covered cascade.

Back on the main trail, make your way to Kiyotaki village, where you'll see the path leading up to Mt. Atago. Continue along the river, crossing bridges and going through tunnels, until you reach the road that takes you to Hozukyō Station; from there, a 20-minute train ride will return you to Kyoto Station.

2. Fushimi Inari Pilgrimage Circuit

Ideal hike for stunning photographs 5km (3 miles) round trip, 3 hours, easy to moderate

One of Kyoto's most famous landmarks, the ancient shrine of Fushimi Inari-Taisha, is located at the southern edge of the city. It is the most venerated among the thousands of shrines dedicated to Inari, the Shinto deity of rice. Foxes, believed to be Inari's messengers, can be seen throughout the shrine grounds in the form of numerous statues.

The shrine is renowned for its 10,000 vermilion torii gates that create winding tunnels around the 233m (765ft) Mt. Inari. Many visitors only walk through the initial 100m (330ft) of gates for photos before heading to nearby souvenir shops. To truly appreciate Fushimi Inari, hike all the way around the mountain and enjoy the unique ambiance.

The path starts behind the main shrine buildings and climbs the forested slopes of the mountain. Along the trail, you'll find shrines, shops, and places to eat: grab a souvenir and enjoy a bowl of kitsune udon (thick noodles in broth with sweet fried tofu) along with a cone of matcha green tea ice cream. After completing the circuit, treat yourself to a drink in the nearby Fushimi sake district, home to around 40 sake breweries nestled in a well-preserved historic area from the end of the Edo Period (1603–1868).

3. Climbing Mt. Daimonji

Best hike for sweeping views 1.5km (0.9 miles) round trip, 1 hour, moderate

The Mt. Daimonji hike is brief yet rewarding, offering one of the finest vistas of Kyoto. Starting and finishing at the 'silver temple' of Ginkaku-ji in Northern Higashiyama, it features a steep ascent of 220m (722ft) from the main gate of Ginkaku-ji to a viewpoint overlooking the city.

To locate the trail, veer left before entering Ginkaku-ji and walk for about a minute until you spot a stone torii; turn right just before it and continue for two minutes until you reach a small shrine. From there, take a right and ascend the hill to begin your hike.

After crossing a bridge, navigating several flights of wooden steps, climbing a gentle scree slope, and tackling three sets of concrete stairs, you will have nearly completed the ascent. The last part is an easy stroll up one more flight of steps to reach the Daimonji viewpoint, revealing a stunning panorama of Kyoto city to your right.

For those seeking an extra challenge, you can hike for an additional 20 minutes to reach the actual summit of Mt. Daimonji. However, this isn't necessary if your primary goal is to enjoy the breathtaking views of the city.

4. Daigo-ji Trail

Best hike for ambiance 5km (3 miles) round trip, 2–3 hours, easy to moderate

The World Heritage-listed Daigo-ji is a significant temple for the Shingon sect of Japanese Buddhism. Situated southeast of central Kyoto, this temple complex ascends the slopes of Daigoyama mountain. The main temple grounds are at the mountain's base, and a scenic hiking trail leads to additional temple structures at the summit.

Beautiful in every season, Daigo-ji is especially breathtaking during spring and autumn. A steep, challenging forest path takes you to the mountain's peak, passing a decorative waterfall feature at Shimo Daigo (Lower Daigo).

You’ll encounter a steady stream of pilgrims and visitors ascending through bamboo groves to the original buildings at the summit, known as Kami Daigo (Upper Daigo). From this vantage point, you can enjoy stunning views to the south, including sights of Nara and Osaka.

5. Climb Mt Hiei

Best hike for connecting with nature 8km (5 miles) round trip, 4–6 hours, challenging yet accessible

Sacred Mt Hiei lies on the border of Kyoto and Shiga prefectures, northeast of Kyoto city. Its summit reaches 848m (2782ft) and is home to the stunning Enryaku-ji, the headquarters of Japan's Tendai sect of Buddhism. It is also renowned as the training ground for the 'marathon monks,' who pursue enlightenment through a grueling 1000-day running ritual called sennichi kaihōgyō.

While you can take cable cars to the summit, hiking the trails followed by the monks offers the best way to experience the beauty of Mt Hiei. One of the most pleasant and accessible routes begins just a 15-minute walk from Shūgakuin Station on the Eizan line.

The trail begins steep and narrow, requiring some scrambling over rocky terrain and ducking under low branches. As you ascend, the path clears and guides you through a majestic forest of towering cedar trees, complete with steps carved into the mountainside to assist your climb to the peak.

Climbing is possible year-round, but if you choose to hike in winter, ensure you have suitable cold-weather gear for the icy and snowy summit. Give yourself extra time to explore the buildings of Enryaku-ji and take in the breathtaking views at the top.

6. Walk from Kibune to Kurama

Best hike for stunning scenery 5km (3 miles) one way, 2–3 hours, easy

Just a half-hour journey north of central Kyoto on the Eizan train line, Kibune feels like a distant escape from the city. The Kibune-to-Kurama route is one of the most accessible half-day hikes in the area, showcasing beautiful shrines, mountain temples, rushing rivers, lush forests, and serene villages.

Begin at Kibune-guchi Station and enjoy a 2km (1.2 mile) walk along the river to Kifune Shrine. You'll encounter a famous stone staircase flanked by red wooden lanterns leading up to the shrine's main hall.

Close to the staircase, a charming vermilion bridge crosses the Kibune River, guiding you along the slopes of Mt Kurama. This relatively easy trek is peppered with religious shrines and natural wonders, including Kinone-sando, or 'tree root path,' where cedar roots emerge from the earth in a striking display of nature's power.

As you near the end of the trail, you'll arrive at Kurama-dera temple. Passing through the guardian gate, known as Nio-mon, you'll enter the quaint village of Kurama, adorned with traditional Japanese wooden houses called nagaya.

A short five-minute stroll south along this tranquil street leads you to Kurama Onsen, renowned for its mineral-rich hot springs bubbling with hydrogen sulfide, known for their skin-rejuvenating benefits. Relaxing in these soothing waters after your hike while enjoying the scenic mountain views is the perfect way to conclude your enchanting day on this trail.

7. Mt Atago climb

Best hike for a workout 4km (2.5 miles) round trip, 4–6 hours, challenging yet attainable

To reach the summit of Mt Atago, standing at 924m (3032ft), you must hike on foot. This mountain, located northwest of the city, is accessible for hiking throughout the year, although winter conditions can be quite challenging.

Begin your journey at the Kiyotaki bus stop, then head northwest down the road and cross a bridge. The trailhead is just a five-minute walk through the serene Kiyotaki village, marked by a striking red torii. From there, the path winds approximately 4km (2.5 miles) up the mountainside. While the trail is clearly marked and easy to navigate, be prepared for a seemingly unending flight of stairs. Just before reaching the summit, you'll encounter a spacious area with benches where you can take a break and enjoy the stunning views over Kyoto.

At the top lies the quaint Atago Shrine, known for its belief in providing protection against fire-related incidents; entrance is free. You’ll likely see many families visiting with young children, as bringing them before the age of three is said to offer lifelong fire protection.