This segment of the Kyoto Trail has a bit of everything – river crossings, hill-climbs, secluded hamlets, Shinto shrines, history, great scenery.
I commenced this hike at the J.R.Hozukyo Station, after a 20-minute train ride from Kyoto Station, then walked 2km to the trail proper. The forst 7km is along the banks of the Kiyotaki River, with the Kyoto Trail passing through the settlements of Kiyotaki and Takao. It then heads inland, over a hill to the Sawano Pond, and another set of hills, emerging onto route-31. A junction then leads you to the Himura Shrine, and the last hill climb before emerging at route-61.
The course is suitable for anyone, regardless of experience, but some fitness is required. And care is required when traversing the Kiyotaki River.
The Kyoto Trail course can be broken at two points – the settlement of Kiyotaki and at Takao, where a bus will return you to Kyoto Station. At the conclusion you will have to walk about 2km to the nearest bus stop. There is a community bus that passes the track conclusion at about 2:30pm and takes you to Kitaoji.
The course is very well signposted and maintained and, if you have a Kyoto Trail map, all details are in Japanese and English.
Trail Map
Photos
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- The J.R.Hozukyo Station, spanning the Hozukyo Gorge and the Katsura River.
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- The junction of route-50 the the commencement of the track. Note the signpost and map.
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- Concrete bridge spanning the Kiyotaki River.
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- Bridge at the settlement of Kiyotaki.
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- Ideal location for a break and picnic.
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- Settlement of Takao. A very popular tourist destination. There is a regular bus service from here to Kyoto.
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- Junction. From this point the trail ascends into forest.
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- The trail from this point is steep but not a long climb.
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- Sawano Pond on Kyoto Trail
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- View overlooking Kyoto City.
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- Himura Shrine near Kyoto Trail
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- Rural scenery at the settlement of Nishigamo.
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- Old wooden bridge on Kyoto Trail
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- The end of the hike - route-61. https://goo.gl/maps/fjqi3DkYmUr
Suggested Lodging
Booking.comSuggested Dining
Every second shop is an eatery of one sort or another. from the traditional Japanese restaurant, the cafes, the western style establishments or the combination store.
When doing this hike I suggest you pack adequite food and drink.
Companies That Provide Tours on This Trail
The only site I can suggest is 'Green Tours' - http://www.greentour-kyoto.net/green.html. But, if you are keen to do this course, drop a line to Kevin and I would be more than happy to accompany you.
