Kiyotaki River

Visitors from Kyoto have several options for exploring the Kiyotaki River. From Takao, a short path takes you to the riverbank, and a 1-hour trail continues to the village of Kiyotaki. A junction offers walkers the option of continuing to the sightseeing district of Arashiyama, about two hours on foot from Takao. Otherwise, visitors can continue to Kiyotaki Village and head back toward Takao or keep going to Hozukyo, following the river the entire route (about six hours total).

• The rugged trail from Takao to Kiyotaki Village goes through the forest; you won’t find any food or drink vendors here, so be sure to either grab a bite in Takao or bring a packed lunch. Picnic tables are located right after the junction where the trail splits between Kiyotaki and Arashiyama.

• While the trail is primarily gentle and flat (suitable for beginners), the woodland path is rocky and rough in parts. Ensure you wear appropriate footwear for day hiking—you’ll need it.

• If you come in summer, you’ll find multiple swimming points to cool off in along the Kiyotaki River between Kiyotaki Village and Hozukyo. There are no lifeguards. Watch out for strong currents, especially when swimming with small children.

• Certain sections of the path between Kiyotaki Village and Hozukyo are also used by cars. Watch for traffic; drivers might not expect to share the road with hikers.

• A 30-minute walk from Kiyotaki Village takes you to Kuya-no-Taki waterfall, or Kuya Falls, along the Kiyotaki River path. This secluded cascade contains a 10th-century Buddhist shrine and is still visited by monks.

Takao is located 9 miles (15 kilometers) northwest of Kyoto—about an hour’s ride by bus. Take a JR bus from Kyoto Station to the Yamashiro Takao stop, and from Nijo Station, take bus number 8 to the Takao bus stop. To return to Kyoto, either circle back to Takao along the Kiyotaki River, head by bus or foot to Arashiyama, or continue to Hozukyo—a 20-minute train ride to Kyoto Station.

Spring and fall are ideal windows for hiking—that’s when you’ll have the most mild weather conditions and stunning colors. Winter brings frigid temperatures and rainy days, while summer can get uncomfortably muggy—although there’s always the river to cool down in. Spring is especially recommended, as that’s when the Japanese maple (which the area is known for) produces the most dazzling red foliage.

Takao is more than just a starting point for the Kiyotaki River hike—it’s home to three centuries-old temples. Make sure you reserve enough time at the beginning of your river walk for a visit. They include Jingoji Temple, which sells kawarake (clay discs with inscriptions thrown into the valley for good luck), and 8th-century Kozanji Temple, which has an ancient scroll and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can also check out the vermilion bridge of Shigetsukyo at Saimyoji Temple.