- Kyoto Trail Hiking: A Journey Through Nature and History in Japan’s Ancient Capital
- Kyoto
- Price
- from JPY 160,000
- Duration
- 4nights 5days
- Season
- March to December
Tour Concept
Kyoto, the ancient capital that everyone dreams of visiting while in Japan. This tour is designed for active travelers who seek more than just sightseeing by bus or car—those who wish to experience Kyoto on foot through invigorating hikes. While many tourists flock to iconic spots like Fushimi Inari Shrine, Kiyomizu-dera temple, and Arashiyama, few foreign visitors have yet discovered the Kyoto Trail. The Kyoto Trail is a scenic long-distance hiking route that loops around Kyoto, offering a unique blend of nature, history, and culture. This journey invites you to walk through both the natural beauty and rich history of Kyoto, a city that flourished as Japan’s capital from the 8th century.A dedicated guide will accompany the hikes from day two to day four, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience.
Highlights
Explore the Kyoto Trail with guide and discover the deeper charm of the ancient capital
The Kyoto Trail stretches approximately 83.3 kilometers in total, beginning in Fushimi-Momoyama in the southeast of the city and winding through Mount Hiei, Ōhara, and Kurama, before reaching Takao and Arashiyama. For this tour, we've selected three of the most scenic and culturally significant sections. Along the way, hikers can stop at numerous cultural treasures and historic landmarks, including UNESCO World Heritage sites—a uniquely Kyoto experience. From the summits reached on foot, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of the city from various angles, revealing a different, more intimate side of Kyoto. From early to mid-March, plum blossoms begin to bloom, followed by the famous cherry blossom season. In May, fresh green foliage heralds the arrival of early summer, and the mountains gleam with vibrant greenery. As autumn approaches, the trees turn brilliant shades of red and gold. With each changing season, Kyoto reveals a different expression—take a walk and experience its beauty firsthand.


Itinerary
01
Kyoto
Please check in individually at your hotel near Kyoto Station.
02
Kyoto Trail Hiking
Travel by local train to Fushimi Inari Station and your first Kyoto Trail hiking journey begins at Fushimi Inari Taisha, famed for its countless vermilion torii gates. Following the pilgrimage path, you’ll ascend Mount Inari and continue through Mount Kiyomizu and the Higashiyama hills. From Shōgun-zuka at the Higashiyama summit, enjoy a sweeping panoramic view of Kyoto’s timeless cityscape. The route then leads you to iconic Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Keage Incline that is a former inclined railway laid on the steep slope of the Lake Biwa Canal, once used to transport boats. Finally you will walk through the tranquil Philosopher’s Path to Ginkaku-ji temple (Silver Pavilion). After the hike, you will go back to hotel by local train or bus.
03
Kyoto Trail Hiking
In the morning, transfer by private vehicle to the peaceful countryside of Ohara, nestled in serene nature far from the bustle of the city. Visit Sanzen-in Temple, renowned for its beautiful moss garden. From there, begin your hike and ascend to Kurama-dera temple, a sacred mountain temple steeped in mystical energy and Tengu legends. Continue your walk across Mount Kurama to Kibune, along a trail that weaves through sacred forest paths, including the iconic ‘Tree Root Path’ where gnarled roots stretch across the ground. Upon arrival in Kibune, visit the atmospheric Kifune Shrine, famous for its vermilion lanterns that line the stone steps. After that, return to your hotel by local train at the end of the day.
04
Kyoto Trail Hiking
Transfer by private vehicle to the starting point of today's hike. Walk along the tranquil gorge trail that follows the crystal-clear River, making your way toward Arashiyama. This serene path, adorned with moss-covered rocks and flowing water, offers moments of quiet beauty. Highlights along the way include panoramic views over Hozu Gorge, the historic preservation district of Saga-Toriimoto with its traditional thatched-roof houses, and Adashino Nenbutsu-ji Temple, where hundreds of stone statues commemorate lost souls—a route where stillness and history intersect. Upon arrival in Arashiyama, visit the famed Bamboo Grove and Tenryu-ji Temple. Cross the iconic Togetsukyo Bridge to begin the ascent of Mt. Matsuo, pausing at Iwatayama Monkey Park, home to wild Japanese macaques. The hike concludes at train station, from which you’ll return to your hotel by train.
05
Kyoto
After breakfast, please check out of the hotel. The tour concludes thereafter.
Price
Price per person | |
---|---|
Tour cost for 2025/2026 4nights 5days |
JPY230,000 Group of 2 people |
JPY180,000 Group of 3 people |
|
JPY160,000 Group of 4-5 people |
|
Single room supplement | JPY28,000 |
**Prices are for reference only. Final costs may vary depending on actual travel dates, accommodations, and other factors. Please contact us for a customized quote.
** This itinerary serves as a general guideline for the tour. We are happy to customize the content—including activity types, tour duration, and accommodation upgrades—based on your preferences.
Fitness Level 1.5 out of 5:
This tour is suitable for participants of all ages who are in reasonably good health.Payment:
We require booking fee of JPY50,000 per person to hold the space at time of booking and the final payment is due 45days prior to departure.Form of payment :
Bank transfer or credit card (Visa or Master)Inclusions:
4nights accommodations
English speaking guide thorough out the tour
Express train (standard reserved seats) as mentioned in the itinerary
Private vehicle and local transportation such as train, metro and bus mentioned above itinerary.
4 Breakfasts
All entry fees to sites, activities listed in the itinerary
Exclusive of:
International & domestic Airfares
Meals that are not included in the itinerary
Travel Insurance
Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks
Personal expenses such as laundry bills, extra luggage delivery service etc
Climate
Spring (March–May) and Autumn (September–November) offer comfortable climate, while summer (June–August) can be very hot. Please wear comfortable clothing suitable for walking. Waterproof hiking shoes are highly recommended, and don’t forget to bring a full set of rain gear (jacket and pants) as it may rain any time.
Accommodations
While this model itinerary includes a standard class western-style hotel near Kyoto Station, the city offers a wide variety of accommodations, and we can arrange lodging to suit your preferences.
Note
** According to weather conditions and local information, we may be forced to adjust or change tour schedule as needed. Please note that any supplementary costs incurred in such cases will need to be covered by the guest.

3rd floor, Kyodo Bldg. Jimbocho, 2-2, Kanda-Jimbocho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0051, Japan |Travel Agency Registration No. 607

