Enjoy the nature of Mount Takao in northwest Kyoto: visit a historic temple, savor Japanese cuisine at a premium riverside restaurant, and soak in a private open-air bath. During their peak, enjoy beautiful views of cherry blossoms and rhododendrons.
Mount Takao is famous for the forested valley along the Kiyotaki River in northwestern Kyoto. Sparsely populated and surrounded by nature, the valley is home to several historic temples. This is an ideal destination for anyone seeking a one-day escape from urban spaces. On this private guided tour, a vehicle will take you to Takao highlights on a pleasant off-the-beaten-track Kyoto day trip. First, you will visit Jingoji Temple, founded in 824, characterized by its long stone stairway. In addition to many national treasures, the temple also has an observatory offering commanding views of the forested valley. It is a common practice to purchase and throw small clay disks into the valley for good luck and the removal of negative karma. Next, you will relish authentic Japanese dishes for lunch at Momijiya, a 100-year-old restaurant and private open-air bath facing the Kiyotaki River. Seats overlooking the river provide a wonderful view of the surrounding nature and elevate the experience to premium levels. Finally, you will soak in a private open-air bath of Momijiya with a great panoramic view of the river valley before returning to downtown Kyoto completely refreshed.