Mt. Daimonji
Mt. Daimonji
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4.5
110 reviews
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PetertheJustOkay
Seattle, WA88 contributions
Nov 2011 • Solo
Only about 1 from 1000 visitors to Kyoto climb Daimonji, yet it's only a 25 minute hike to the viewpoint and another 20 minutes to the peak of this sacred mountain. If you're visiting Ginkakuji, the trail is very near. Leave Ginkakuji, turn right, and right again. Follow the narrow road up towards the hillside. You'll find it splits. Take the right fork. The left leads to a school. You can ask for directions at any point - it's well traveled by locals, some of whom climb this everyday! The trail is easy to follow, and it can be done in sneakers. Avoid it when icy in winter. The view from the peak is also quite good. On a clear day, you can see Osaka and even the shimmering ocean!
Written November 14, 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SOH KIEN PENG
Singapore, Singapore9,291 contributions
Oct 2017 • Couples
The state of euphoria associated with the accomplishment of a hike up a hill or a mountain in a foreign city spiced up my exploration of this city. You gained a better insight of what the city offers and the lovely memory left an indelible impression in my mind.
The arduous hike up the majestic and magnificent Taishan added much flavor to my Shandong trip.. The climb up the mysteriously foggy Emeishan during rainy summer enhanced my insight of Sichuan's weather. My love for Luang Prabang was further amplified after viewing the crimson beautiful sunset at Mount Phousi. I came to understand deeper the culture of the minorities as I roamed through the rustic charm of the terraced mountain fields in Sapa, Vietnam. The beauty of Cameron Highlands is best explored in the valleys of her tea plantations.
I felt the pulse of this imperial city of Kyoto when I hiked up this Daimonjiyama. I came here at about 8.30 am. The Ginkakuji Temple had yet opened. The shops at both sides of the path leading to the temple were still closed.
It was not a difficult climb. It was drizzling then and I had to carry an umbrella with me to prevent getting drenched. The path appeared undulating and the place looked eerily quiet. There was no other person I saw along the way. Then, I came to a cemetery area where there were tombstones and I remember from my research that these tombs contained murdered bodies and suddenly, I felt a chill. Then, I saw something moved in the bushes and I saw an elderly man came out of the bushes zipping up his pants when he saw me. Apparently, he came here to exercise and found no toilet and decided to urinate in the wilderness to ease himself. His sudden appearance startled me but I ignored him and quickly continued my journey up the hill.
It was not long and a flight of stairs appeared in front of me. It was quite a steep staircase. I was heaving and panting as I climbed up the stairs but I was determined and eventually reached to an open area where the panoramic view of Kyoto city unraveled in front of me. The view was spectacular but misty due to the drizzle. There was a Chinese character `Big' carved in concrete on the floor of this platform. It was worth the climb. An elderly lady walked down from the summit and I asked her to take a photo of me with the background of the panoramic view of Kyoto city.
I did not continue with the climb as I understand there was nothing much further up. I decided to climb down.
Daimonjiyama is not as majestic and magnificent as Mount Taishan but the hike up was equally memorable and lovely. The air is fresh and the place is quaint and solitary quiet, an ideal place for meditative walk.
The arduous hike up the majestic and magnificent Taishan added much flavor to my Shandong trip.. The climb up the mysteriously foggy Emeishan during rainy summer enhanced my insight of Sichuan's weather. My love for Luang Prabang was further amplified after viewing the crimson beautiful sunset at Mount Phousi. I came to understand deeper the culture of the minorities as I roamed through the rustic charm of the terraced mountain fields in Sapa, Vietnam. The beauty of Cameron Highlands is best explored in the valleys of her tea plantations.
I felt the pulse of this imperial city of Kyoto when I hiked up this Daimonjiyama. I came here at about 8.30 am. The Ginkakuji Temple had yet opened. The shops at both sides of the path leading to the temple were still closed.
It was not a difficult climb. It was drizzling then and I had to carry an umbrella with me to prevent getting drenched. The path appeared undulating and the place looked eerily quiet. There was no other person I saw along the way. Then, I came to a cemetery area where there were tombstones and I remember from my research that these tombs contained murdered bodies and suddenly, I felt a chill. Then, I saw something moved in the bushes and I saw an elderly man came out of the bushes zipping up his pants when he saw me. Apparently, he came here to exercise and found no toilet and decided to urinate in the wilderness to ease himself. His sudden appearance startled me but I ignored him and quickly continued my journey up the hill.
It was not long and a flight of stairs appeared in front of me. It was quite a steep staircase. I was heaving and panting as I climbed up the stairs but I was determined and eventually reached to an open area where the panoramic view of Kyoto city unraveled in front of me. The view was spectacular but misty due to the drizzle. There was a Chinese character `Big' carved in concrete on the floor of this platform. It was worth the climb. An elderly lady walked down from the summit and I asked her to take a photo of me with the background of the panoramic view of Kyoto city.
I did not continue with the climb as I understand there was nothing much further up. I decided to climb down.
Daimonjiyama is not as majestic and magnificent as Mount Taishan but the hike up was equally memorable and lovely. The air is fresh and the place is quaint and solitary quiet, an ideal place for meditative walk.
Written January 11, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LaTinoco
California241 contributions
May 2017 • Couples
For a view like that, you'd think the hike should be harder, but it's not! 45 minutes and done. We loved this hike. We got step-by-step instructions from insidekyoto and went at 7:30am. It was tucked away behind the Silver Pavillion and was absolutely gorgeous in May. There were so many shades of green on the way up.
Our morning went thus - caught a 30 minute bus at 5:46am (bus 17 - Stand A2) from Kyoto station to Jodoji stop. We walked into Honen-in Temple since it opened at 6, and then we backtracked a few minutes and hiked Mt Daimonji. Then we went to the Silver Pavilion and walked down the Philosopher's path. It was a perfect start to our day.
If you're going to see the Silver Pavilion, hike this first. It's neat to see where they light the fires every August as well. I liked it more than Ginkakuji, honestly.
Our morning went thus - caught a 30 minute bus at 5:46am (bus 17 - Stand A2) from Kyoto station to Jodoji stop. We walked into Honen-in Temple since it opened at 6, and then we backtracked a few minutes and hiked Mt Daimonji. Then we went to the Silver Pavilion and walked down the Philosopher's path. It was a perfect start to our day.
If you're going to see the Silver Pavilion, hike this first. It's neat to see where they light the fires every August as well. I liked it more than Ginkakuji, honestly.
Written October 15, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
kcm
Singapore, Singapore44 contributions
Dec 2017 • Couples
already at ginkakuji? climb daimonjiyama!
its a bit of a uphill hike but you can take breath catching breaks now and then. the view at the end of it is fantastic.
good shoes and camera recommended.
its a bit of a uphill hike but you can take breath catching breaks now and then. the view at the end of it is fantastic.
good shoes and camera recommended.
Written December 22, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Leanne3001
Petaling Jaya, Malaysia36 contributions
Sept 2015 • Friends
Tuck away in a little entrance near Ginkanku-ji temple, this mountain offers an easy half hour climb up for some great views of Kyoto. The hike itself is under shaded trees and is very pleasant even in summer. Bring some sandwiches and drinks for a mini picnic at the top. The level you reach will form the horizontal stroke from the word 大 (dai) and by the time you figure out where the two legs of the word lies in reality, you will be suitably awed by nature. A really lovely climb that can be done in an hour or two up and down. But once you are up there, you might want to linger longer just to drink in the views. Have fun!!!
Written September 21, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Denis
Berlin, Germany1,275 contributions
Apr 2018 • Couples
absolutely loved this hike!!! we walked from our hotel in the city center to the temple area and from there decided spontaneously to hike Mt Diamonji without knowing what to expect. what we got was a great hiking experience away from all the tourists breathing fresh air listening to the birds singing and a beautiful view over Kyoto! pure JOY!!!
Written April 25, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AndrewFishFinger
Maldon, Australia176 contributions
Jun 2017 • Solo
If you like walking & you like views just do it. I loved it. Absolutely brilliant. Yes, it is up hill so be warned. But there were lots of 9 year old school kiddies up there (I asked them their age) so you too, can do it.
Written June 2, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Zio Billy
Lausanne, Switzerland136 contributions
Apr 2017 • Friends
I enjoyed the hike the Mt. Daimonji. The hike is not super hard, but still, if you are not trained it could be hard. Have enough water with you and be prepared to walk up a lot of steep stairs.
Once you arrived the "top", you will find your self in the middle of a big kanji (chinese character). They set the kanji on fire during a festival in august. Daimoji basically meaning "huge character"... The view on Kyoto is pretty nice, you will be able to see the entire city and the other "daimonjis" on the surrounding mountains.
Once you arrived the "top", you will find your self in the middle of a big kanji (chinese character). They set the kanji on fire during a festival in august. Daimoji basically meaning "huge character"... The view on Kyoto is pretty nice, you will be able to see the entire city and the other "daimonjis" on the surrounding mountains.
Written April 16, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rasmus E
Viborg, Denmark82 contributions
Nov 2015 • Couples
This attraction has not many tourists. Why? Is a mystery to me. In the hills behind the silver pavilion are one of kyotos must hidden gems... You must take this trip if you just have a tiny adventure in you or if you just want a nature experience in the vibrant city of Kyoto, the walk to the top ain't easy but still every body can do it. Bring water you can't buy it on the way..
On a sunny day you can see all the way to Osaka in the horizon
On a sunny day you can see all the way to Osaka in the horizon
Written December 29, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
OceanRower
Palmerston North, New Zealand192 contributions
Nov 2013 • Solo
You won't be alone, but the views are worth it. The access is very easy, straight up (veer into the small streets to the right) from Ginkaku-ji. This is also my favourite running route in Kyoto!
Written November 30, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Anyone know if the hiking trail is open? Seems that many other hikes around Kyoto are closed due to typhoon damage (Kurama -> Kibune, Mt. Hiei, etc).
Written November 3, 2018
Is this accessible during winter? thanks.
Written August 29, 2017
I reckon the answer must be yes because there were no ticket boxes or fences or gates or...anything to stop you walking up there.
Written September 8, 2017
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