Hey Everyone!

The autumn hiking season is in full swing, and the weather forecast for the 29th looks absolutely perfect. We’re excited to head over to Kyoto for a trail that mixes history, mythology, and some of the best views in the Kansai region.

November 29th: Daimonji-yama & The Philosopher's Path Loop ⛰️

We are heading to the famous Daimonji-yama!

What it will be like

For those new to Kyoto hiking, Daimonji is the mountain with the massive "大" (Dai) character burned into it during the Obon festival. We are taking a slightly less traveled route up the "back side" of the mountain.

We'll pass by the cave linked to the mythology of the Sun Goddess Amaterasu hiding away and plunging the world into darkness (we'll explain the story on the trail!). Once we reach the summit, we’ll get a panoramic view of the entire Kyoto basin.

After lunch at the top, we’ll head down the front side. Since we are doing a loop this time, we’ll catch the southern end of the historic Philosopher's Path and the Nanzen-ji area before finishing up right where we started.

The Weather ☀️

We checked the forecast, and we really couldn't ask for better hiking weather.

• Forecast: Mostly Sunny
• Temp: High of 16°C (61°F) / Low of 6°C (43°F)
• Wind: Light breeze

Difficulty: ★★★☆☆ (9.6km, 600m elevation gain. Approx 4 hours hiking time + breaks) Views: ★★★★★ (One of the best spots to see the Kyoto cityscape) History: ★★★★☆ (Mythological caves and historic canals)

When and where we'll start

We will gather from 10:00 to 10:30, and we will leave at 10:30 sharp.

Meeting Point: We are meeting at Keage Station (Tozai Line) just outside Exit 1.

• Train details: From Umeda/Osaka, it takes about 53 minutes and costs roughly ¥1,100 each way. You will likely need to transfer once (usually at Karasuma Oike) to get to the Tozai line.

Lunch & Food 🍙

Important: There are no convenience stores near the meeting point at Keage Station. Please buy your lunch and snacks before you get on the train or during your transfer. We will be eating our packed lunches at the summit while enjoying the view.

After the Hike ☕

We plan to finish the loop back at Keage Station. For those who have time, we’re planning to stop at the Keage Cafe right next to the station to rest our legs, grab a coffee, and chat before heading home.

What you'll need

• Water: Please bring at least 1 liter of water. Even in cool weather, this trail has some elevation and hydration is key.
• Lunch: As mentioned, bring it with you!
• Footwear: Hiking boots are recommended, but comfortable sneakers are okay if you don't have them.
• Clothing: 16°C is comfortable while moving, but the summit can be breezy. A fleece or light layer to put on while we eat lunch is highly recommended.
• Hiking Poles: Not required, but they always improve stability. Bring them if you have them! We also have a limited number to lend out.

Other stuff

As always, this event is completely free and everyone is welcome—solo hikers, first-timers, and regulars alike.

Safety Note: We take safety very seriously. We choose locations where chances of wildlife encounters are low, but we always carry appropriate safety gear and deterrents as a precaution. We want everyone to feel safe and relaxed on the trail!

Leaving a comment or a PM if you plan to come helps us know who to look out for, but you are also welcome to just show up at the station. Expect to hike with people from all over the world. 

See you on the trail! 🍁