Takao
Mount Takao - Kiyotaki 高尾～清滝
Overview
Mt. Atago in western Kyoto is the second highest mountain in Kyoto, after Mt. Hiei over on the eastern side of the city. In nearby Takao there is a lot of good hiking. Among the best of the trails is one that follows the Kiyotaki River, which is a short walk down from the Takao bus stop. The bus you will take goes on the winding road that heads toward Miyamacho in rural Kyoto Prefecture west from Ninnaji Temple and points in the city.
When you get to the bottom of the short trail from the bus stop, you will cross a bridge. At that point, there is a wide trail and a restaurant. Next to the restaurant are stone steps that will take you up to Jingoji Temple.
Jingoji Temple sits atop Mount Takao overlooking a beautiful a valley. It is a 15-minute walk up the stone steps that lead from just beyond the bridge that crosses the Kiyotaki River.
Jingoji is a member of the Shingon sect of Buddhism that was founded in 824 C.E. It is a large complex of many buildings. One of the highlights of Jingoji is the chance to throw small clay plates into the valley. The plates are sold at the very top of the complex, and the act of throwing them deep into the valley below is believed to be a way of ridding one of bad luck and evil spirits.
After getting rid of all of your bad karma, head back down the stone steps to the bottom.
Turn right and head along the trail with the river on your left. At a small dam a bit beyond the last building, you will cross the river and now be hiking with the water on your right.
In spots, the river is perfect for summer swimming. The water is cool and clear. However, be aware that in places you may find a "living fossil": the Japanese giant salamander. The world's largest amphibians inhabit these waters, and have not changed in 30 million years. The Japanese giant salamanders can measure as long as 1.5 meters (almost five feet) in length. The salamanders are not aggressive but their size and appearance are frightening up close.
Getting to the Starting Point
Take either the JR bus from Kyoto Station for Keihokucho or Kyoto City bus #8 to Takao. The Takao bus stop is about 15 minutes beyond Ninnaji Temple in western Kyoto.
From there, it is a 10 minute walk down to the river. At the bus stop, which is a curve on the winding road heading out of Kyoto are several small stores where you can buy drinks and snacks.
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| Jingoji Temple | Kiyotaki River |
Directions
From the bus stop, walk down to the bottom of the trail from the bus stop and then cross the bridge. Then walk up the stone steps leading to Jingoji Temple.
After that, head straight along the path. (If you have just crossed the bridge, you will turn left and walk forward.)
There are many options, but once you arrive in the village of Kiyotaki, there are buses from there to Arashiyama for those who do not want to retrace their steps and head back to Takao. Cross the bridge, and walk up the road to the top. The bus stop is on your right.
Total Hiking Time
Two to three hours hiking time from Takao bus stop.
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| Takao Hotel Entrance | Kiyotaki River Trail |
More Information
Jingoji Temple
5 Umegahata-Takao-cho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto
Open everyday, 9 am - 4 pm
Tel: 075 861 1769
Entrance Fee: 500 yen
Map
Takao Kiyotaki River Route
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