Mt. Kisen, otherwise known as “Kisenyama” by the Japanese, is a beautiful mountain forest that takes its hikers on a journey like no other.
Mt. Kisen is not easy to find on the Internet as it’s located in one of the most secluded areas of Kyoto prefecture.
This aspect of Mt. Kisen is what makes it so incredibly appealing for seekers of hiking trails off the beaten track, offering a level of seclusion and intimacy with Mother Nature like none that I’d experienced in Kyoto.
Farms & Villages
Before the incline up Mt. Kisen even begins, you’ll walk through some amazing villages surrounded by natural forests with rich green trees.
The area is home to farmers who work in the rice fields for a living, supplying fresh produce to Kyoto’s major supermarkets.
In the heart of Uji, the grounds here are also known for producing premium matcha green tea and shipping out tea leaves across Kyoto and the wider regions of Japan.
Shinyo Shrine
Within the first kilometer of the journey up Mt. Kisen, you’ll come across an interesting landmark known as Shinyo Shrine.
Despite the overbearing popularity of Fushimi Inari-Taisha, I find the best shrines that offer something akin to a “spiritual experience” are those hidden within the forests of Japan’s remote areas.
While the shrine’s structure is not too impressive, there is something authentically beautiful about the rusty torii gate buried between the trees and hilly landscapes.
I don’t consider myself a Shintoist or Buddhist by any means, but I quite like the idea of praying for good luck before starting your journey, regardless of your religious background.
Colorful Flora
Admittedly, most of this walk was on an open road, which, while great for keeping your shoes clean also came with the occasional car or motorcycle that you need to watch out for (not so spiritual now huh).
On the other hand, this aspect of the trail made it all the more interesting to hike, as the few who do embark on the journey tend to use motor vehicles to get to the top (cheaters!).
Along the way, you will see the incredible phenomenon of colorful trees which I like to call “50 shades of green,” offering a spectrum of natural eye candy that keeps things interesting throughout.
Kisenyama Dam
At the top of Mt. Kisen, I felt an immediate sense of disappointment that there wasn’t a breathtaking view of Kyoto to look out to.
This feeling, however, left me as quickly as it appeared, replaced with a sense of bliss when I laid eyes on one of the most majestic lakes I could imagine.
Like something out of a movie (The Lord of the Rings comes to mind), I was blown away by the gigantic body of calm water surrounded by colorful leaves and mountainous terrain.
I later discovered that the lake was actually part of the Kisenyama Dam which ultimately connects to the iconic Uji River.
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