| Comment: | Atago-san and the high plane North of it represent the highest mountain range within the Kyoto city limits although they do not stick out as much as the solitary Hiei-san on the other side of the city. While the most evident approach is from around Arashiyama, we opt for climbing it from behind. |
| How to get there: | The starting point is Kameoka station on the JR Sagano Line. It regularly serviced from Kyoto main station and the other stops on the line. |
Telegraphic Description: | Cross the river towards the North, then turn East following ever smaller roads, finally one road leads up a lonesome valley. After a steeper climb we reach a bigger road; crossing it we find a trail running up an aisle under electric lines. This trail takes us to the high plain, where we turn South-East along a wide track. This takes us to the impressive stairway that leads up the nice Atago shrine. after a visit and maybe a stop at the picnic area, we continue South and soon start to descend. The trail gets narrower again, and finally we are forced to turn either left or right. While the left option leads towards Arashiyama, we take the right that steeply descends towards a little village. From the village we continue descanding along the road that leads down to Hozukyo station, which is located on a bridge between two tunnels. This curious setting allows for some nice views of Katsura river and the tourist boats on it. |
| (Paper) Map: | Besides the Yamachizu, Kyoto Kitayama map, there is a set of four maps for the 100km trail around the North of Kyoto. The Northeastern one is best for this hike and can be bought in most outdoor stores in Kyoto. |
| Sketchy Map and Approximate GPS: |