Mount Daimonji: Kyoto's Bonfire Mountain
Hike Kyoto's Mount Daimonji for stunning city views and a glimpse into the famous Gozan no Okuribi Bonfire Festival.
Mount Daimonji, also known as Daimonjiyama, is a prominent mountain in Kyoto, Japan, famous for the annual Gozan no Okuribi festival where a giant bonfire in the shape of the kanji character '大' (dai, meaning 'large' or 'great') is lit on its slopes. Hiking to the top offers panoramic views of Kyoto and a glimpse into the city's cultural and religious traditions.
A brief summary to Mount Daimonji
- Shishigatani Daikokudanicho, 大文字山, Kyoto, Shishigatani Daikokudanicho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, 606-8442, JP
Local tips
- Wear comfortable shoes suitable for hiking, as the trails can be steep and uneven.
- Bring water and snacks, especially during warmer months, as there are no facilities on the mountain.
- Consider hiking in the late afternoon to enjoy the sunset views over Kyoto.
- Check the weather forecast before you go, as the trails can be slippery when wet.
- If hiking for sunset, bring a headlamp as it can get dark on the trail.
Getting There
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Public Transport
From Kyoto Station, take bus number 5, 17, 32, 100, 102, 203, or 204 to Ginkakuji-michi bus stop. From there, it's about a 10-minute walk to the trailhead. Alternatively, take bus number 32 or 100 to Ginkakuji-mae bus stop, which is a 6-minute walk to the trailhead. The bus fare is approximately ¥230.
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Walking
From Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion), walk towards the main gate, but turn left before entering. Follow the road north towards the two stone torii gates of Hachi-jinja Shrine. Turn right just before the first torii gate and walk east, uphill, passing a small bicycle parking area. At the fork in the road with a small Shinto shrine, take the nearer road that leads into a parking lot. Walk through the parking lot towards the vending machine to find the trailhead. This walk takes about 5-10 minutes.
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