If you’ve ever wanted to run through thick forests and mountains like in the Lord of the Rings, then Mt. Daimonji is the hike for you!
I’ve hiked my fair share of mountains in Japan, but few come close to the immense feeling of reward and achievement that I felt at the top of Mt. Daimonji.
A steep ascent that is not for the faint-hearted, this hike offers magnificent scenery of Kyoto’s wilderness every step of the way!
Off the Philosopher’s Path
Mt. Daimonji is easily accessed via Sanjo station along Kyoto’s Kamo River. From there you can either take the city bus to the base of the mountain or get there on foot in about 30 minutes.
If you like, you can add another element to your hike by walking through Kyoto’s serene Philosopher’s Path on the way to Mt. Komonji, killing two birds with one stone!
Getting Started
The best way to find the precise start of the Mt. Daimonji hiking trail is to look for the wooden post with Japanese writing engraved reading 京都一周トレイル meaning “Kyoto Circuit Trail.”
You’ll find these posts throughout the hike and whenever you get to a crossroads. They come with little maps and English wording that point you to the direction of Mt. Daimonji’s summit.
Unbelievable Beauty
They may not literally be bamboo trees, but they sure look like it! The forests along the Mt. Daimonji trails are utterly breathtaking with long narrow trees huddled together to create an amazing visual effect.
To make the scene even more epic, many of these tall tree trunks have fallen from their roots like a mini horizontal bridge crossing over a ditch to create an artistic display of nature.
The Romon Falls
It’s not all trees and bushes along the hiking trail. In fact, there are a few notable landmarks along the way such as the Romon Falls, a beautiful waterfall that flows through the forest and into the Ginkakuji (Silver Pavilion).
This serene spot has a calming effect with the sounds of water gushing against the stones. It also opens up the trail and can be a great resting spot to rejuvenate for the final ascent.
The Last Stretch!
You’ll know you’re getting close to the summit of Mt. Daimonji as the geographics begin to change. The rustic tree trunk look will start to turn to a more green “swampish” look reminiscent of an ancient forest from the Lord of the Rings.
At this point, you may be tempted to run through the trail like Aragorn hunting down Uruk-hai in the battle of Amon Hen, but tread carefully as there are a few wet muddy patches along the way.
Top of the World!
And voila, an opening will reveal itself as you emerge from the thick forests and onto the peak of Mt. Daimonji! A perfectly arranged seating area is positioned perfectly for you to sit down and enjoy the most magnificent view of Kyoto prefecture!
Can You Spot Kyoto Tower?
It’s pretty amazing the different landmarks you can spot from the top of Mt. Daimonji. Most notably, the pure white structure that is Kyoto Tower stands out brilliantly from the concrete jungle of Kyoto city.
Enjoying Some Shade
If you’re crazy enough to do this hike on a hot summer’s day, then you’ll surely gain an all-new appreciation for the shade provided by the trees at the summit of Mt. Daimonji.
What I found hilarious was the group of old Japanese hikers having a barbecue nearby (which smelt absolutely amazing). How they managed to carry all their grilling equipment to the peak of Mt. Daimonji is beyond me!
A Hike to Remember!
There’s something about hiking up a mountain that invokes positive feelings about life that simply can’t be explained in words. People automatically become friendlier (albeit exhausted) when they literally “take a hike,” especially when there’s an incredible view at the end!
For a truly unforgettable experience in Kyoto that’ll leave you feeling accomplished and spiritually rejuvenated, embark on this mesmerizing journey to the top of Mt. Daimonji for the adventure of a lifetime!
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