Daimon-ji is one of the five mountains in Kyoto with the blazing kanji for the Daimonji Gozan-Okuribu Fire Festival in August. The hiking trail to the summit starts near Ginkaku-ji, and takes 1-2 hours, depending on your level of fitness - and how many times you stop to take photos! Most of the trail leads through Japanese cedars, but if you go in autumn, you can enjoy the colored both at the foot and top of the mountain. The summit also has splendid views over Kyoto.
- 1 min read
Climbing Daimonji-yama
Autumn color and mountain-top views over Kyoto

By Cathy Cawood
Community writer

Beautiful autumn color

Maple leaves in a garden at the foot of the mountain

Yelow and red maples

A glowing leaf caught in the dry autumn grass

Glimpses of Kyoto's other mountains through the trees

A pulley for transporting things up and down the mountain. The flaming kanji at Obon must take a lot of firewood!

View over Kyoto

A mix of deciduous and evergreen trees on the upper slopes

Many tracks lead around the mountain top

View from below of the big 'Dai' on Daimonji-yama
Leave a comment
0 comments in total
Book your trip
Find a nearby hotel
Explore some of the best nearby hotels and deals for the perfect place to stay in Japan.
Top Articles
-
1
An Enriching Getaway in Ome City
Tokyo - Sponsored -
2
Kyushu Craftsmanship and Traditions Heritage Tour
Article -
3
70 Nations, One Amazing Meal
Osaka - Sponsored -
4
Osaka Noh Festa
Osaka - Sponsored -
5
Aichi Awaits: Seven Authentic Experiences Beyond Nagoya
Aichi - Sponsored -
6
Hokkaido Full Immersion Tour
Hokkaido -
7
LUUP: The New Age of Bike Rentals in Japan?
Transportation -
8
Tokyo Auto Salon 2026 Japan Car Tour: Cars, Culture & The Open Road
Chiba -
9
I’m Donut?: Japan’s Viral Donut Sensation
Culture -
10
Mt. Fuji Hike 2025: New Safety Rules & Registration Guide
Shizuoka - Sponsored
-
1
Guide to Bringing Medicines Into Japan
Planning -
2
The Ultimate Guide to Thrifting in Tokyo
Shopping -
3
Your Name: Real-Life Locations in Tokyo
Tokyo -
4
Japanese Urban Legends
Culture -
5
Gion Matsuri
Kyoto -
6
Iwatayama Monkey Park
Kyoto -
7
Daikoku Car Meet
Kanagawa -
8
Tokyo Pride
Tokyo -
9
Black Eggs of Owakudani, Hakone
Kanagawa -
10
Ghibli 3D Sculpture Exhibition
Tokyo