Nature Places We Should Check Out in Kyoto

12 Mar, 2025 - Arjun look it's on my blog

Also this website japan-guide is nice nice for japan stuff, we should stay tapped into this.

I like 5, 7, 8, and 9 the most, but there are a few that I think will particularly speak to you, because they include things like "highest mountain" and "historical"

1) Arashiyama

extraordinary trees and walking along water
30 mins by train from Kyoto Station, in west kyoto

2) Philosopher's Path

walk under the cherry blossoms, lil 30 min path
20 mins by bus from Kyoto Station, in northeast kyoto

3) Kurama to Kibune

this is a 2 hour "hike" (it looks like it's all cement path) between two mountain villages
40 mins by train from Kyoto Station, in mountains north of kyoto

4) Mt. Atago

we probably gotta do it. Tallest mountain in the city, 4-5 hours round trip for the hike, temple at the top
45 mins by bus to trailhead from Kyoto Station, in northwest kyoto

5) Lake Biwa

Japan's largest lake. Need I say more. (and you can bike around it)
20 mins from Kyoto Station

6) Miyama

rural Kyoto, traditional thatched roof houses, looks historic but people really live there (this one's for you)
2 hours by bus from Kyoto station

7) Mt. Hiei

real hike! Watched a video, dirt path, beautiful greenery, uncrowded, views of Kyoto, hike up and cable car down, you do it as a lil day trip
1 hour by train from Kyoto station

8) Amanohashidate

top three most scenic views in Japan. Its a giant sandbar which stretches across a whole body of water. You walk along the sandbar. The sandbar is also covered in trees.
2 hours from Kyoto station by train

9) Hozugawa River Boat Ride

you get on a big boat with a bunch of people and go through rapids through a valley for 2 hours
45 mins by train from Kyoto Station, in west kyoto