Takao Sightseeing Model Plan

Takao has a different feature and taste for each season.
We introduce model plans for sightseeing in Takao in the spring, summer, autumn, and winter.

Takao Stroll Model Course

Touring around Three Mountain Ridges and Hiking

In spring, you can enjoy viewing cherry blossoms, azalea flowers, and fresh greenery. But people agree that autumn is the best season, in which the red autumn leaves of Takao are loved by all ages.

1
JR Kyoto Station

From JR Kyoto Station, go through the city and drive to the northwest of Kyoto on National Route 162 (commonly called Shuzan-kaido Road) about 10 minutes by car (or bus), and you will reach one of the Kansai area’s most famous maple leaf landmarks.

2
Toganoosan Kosanji Temple

Since ancient times, this temple has been regarded as a treasure trove of culture, and it is said that the temple’s possession of national treasures and important cultural properties centered on the Kamakura period (1185-1333) span more than 10,000 items, including the Choju Jinbutsu Giga (a monochrome ink painting paper scroll of caricatures of frolicking birds, animals and humans).

Approximately 50 minutes by JR bus

3
Makinoosan Saimyoji Temple

Chisen Daitoku, a leading disciple of Kukai (also known as Kobo Daishi, a Japanese Buddhist monk), established Makinoosan Saimyoji Temple as a branch of Jingoji Temple. The current Main Hall building was rebuilt in 1700 using funds donated by Keishoin (mother of Tsunayoshi, the 5th Shogun).

A five-minute walk

4
Takaosan Jingoji Temple

This temple is located in the middle between the three greatest mountain ridges. It is the head temple of the Koyasan Shingon sect of Buddhism, and is also known as a treasure trove of esoteric art. Kobo Daishi (Kukai) first arrived here in 809 and spent 14 years establishing the foundation of the Shingon sect.

A 15-minute walk

5
Kiyotaki

Take a walk around Kyoto’s trail hiking course (Tokai Nature Trail); it takes about two hours for the full-scale course. It is said that the Kin’unkei Valley and the Kinreikei Valley are very beautiful, with cherry blossoms in spring and colored leaves in autumn.

A 45-minute walk

6
Ochiai and Hozu Gorge

You can get to the best maple leaf viewing spot in the Kansai area after passing through the city of Kyoto and driving to the northwest of Kyoto on National Route 162 (commonly called Shuzan-kaido Road) for about 10 minutes by car (or bus).

A 45-minute walk