| Hiking tours (bookable as individual tour) | |
| Kyoto is great for exploring on foot. There are many car-free paths that are suitable for walking. Those who want to go on a more sporty hike can let off steam on the 70 km long Kyoto trail which surrounds Kyoto. The tours listed here can be booked as an individual tour. Please click on individual tours to see the conditions. Here are a few suggestions, but there is still more.
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Walk through the Gion Geisha district and the old town to the Heian Shrine (6 km)
This is an easy walk, we start the walk in Gion, a traditional geisha district. Right next to it is the Kenninji Zen Temple. After crossing the temple area, we reach the old town of Kyoto. Passing the imposing Yasaka Pagoda, we come to a pedestrian zone with many traditional houses and shops. If desired, we can visit the Kyomizu Temple. The Maruyama Park connects to the old town, from which you can hike directly into the surrounding mountains. The walk can either end here or continue to Heian Shrine.
Hike from Gion to the Fushimi Inari Shrine (9 km)
We start the hike in Gion, cross the temple area of Kenninji and finally reach the old town of Kyoto which is towered over by the imposing Yasaka Pagoda. We walk through the winding narrow streets past traditional houses and shops to the Kyomizu temple, one of the most visited tourist attractions in Kyoto. We visit the temple and leave it through the back exit. From there we get to the Kyoto hiking trail on which we cross a small forest. We pass traditional temples and imperial tombs and finally reach the Fushimi Inari Shrine with its hundreds of scarlet shrine gates. However, we are at the top of the shrine, which means that we go down through all the rows of shrine gates. After visiting the main shrine, we take the train back to the city center.
Hike to the Hiesan Temple Mount (8 km)
Those looking for a sporting challenge can climb to the 800 m high Enryakuji Temple. The starting point of the hike is a little outside, where we can get to by bus and train. On hiking trails we now climb up to the 800 m high Hiesan. There is the extensive temple complex Enryakuji. We visit this main temple of the Tendai direction of Buddhism. Those who want to hike a little further can walk in the footsteps of the famous marathon monks to the Yokawa Temple. Return on foot, by bus or by cable car. If you only want to walk downhill, you can also use the cable car up at the beginning.
Hike from Takao to Arashiyama (9 km)
From Kyoto we take a bus to the village of Takao, which is mainly known for its brightly colored leaves in autumn. We visit the Jingoji Temple and then hike along an idyllic small river to Arashiyama. Arashiyama is a traditional neighborhood on the western edge of Kyoto. bamboo forest there in particular is very well known. If desired we can visit the Tenryuji Zen temple. This hike is a balanced mixture of nature and culture and is a special experience in every season. From Arashiyama we take the tram back to Kyoto.
Hike from Kurama to Kibune (5 km)
We first take the train to Kurama in the north of Kyoto. We visit the Kurama Temple, cross the temple area, from where we continue on forest paths over a hill. After a while we reach Kibune, a small village that has retained a very traditional charm. We visit the Kibune Shrine and stroll through the village. The way back is by train. This tour can also be done the other way around from Kibune to Kurama. There is a Japanese open air onsen bath in Kurama. If you want, you can take a hot bath there after the hike.