Advice,  Japan

10 (Probably) Unknown Points of Interest in Kyoto

Hiking to the Top of Ogurayama

What is it?
This one takes some climbing, but it’s worth it!
This one takes some climbing, but it’s worth it!

Most people visiting Kyoto know about Arashiyama because of the Tenryu-ji, the bamboo grove nearby, the Togetsukyo bridge and perhaps the monkey park (along with all the tourist shops connecting all these spots!).

However there’s also a short hike in the area that leads to the top of a nearby hill – Ogurayama – offering an incredible view over the area. It’s actually become one of my favorite spots to work outdoor in autumn and spring, when the weather is neither too cold nor too warm! (An office in the middle of nature with a view over Arashiyama; what more could a man ask for?)

I didn’t find that one out by myself though; a lady started speaking to me while I was taking a rest in nearby Kameyama Park and advised me to go check out the place, before explaining how to get there. Thank you madam!

Access

You must first walk all the way to the top of Kameyama Park, until you reach an open area with benches and a view over Hoshinoya Kyoto Hotel and the Katsura River below. From there, while facing the hotel and river, go right until you reach a wooden signpost indicating 小倉山 (Ogurayama). Then take the path going upwards behind it.

There’s no signage per se but fences help ensure you stay on track.

Advice
Avoid hot days as there’s quite of bit of climbing to do; first to get to the top of Kameyama Park, then a solid 30 minutes more to the top of Ogurayama itself via a pretty steep path. And since the latter is mostly made of dirt, you’re better off not going right after the rain (it gets very muddy).
Once you reach the top there are benches to rest, so feel free to bring a pic-nic! (Not toilet though.)

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