??

This walk (about 2 miles in length and packed with stuff to look at and enjoy) will take the average person about 3 hours to complete (not including lunch).

The walk leads through one of Kyoto's most popular tourist areas and is very easy to follow.

It's best to start in the morning around 11am or so. To time this trip perfectly get the exact departure times for the Torokko train (from Torokko Saga Station) that will take you to where the Hozugawakudari River run begins; the last boat usually departs around 4pm, so you will have to board the train by 3pm or so (the train and the boat schedules are linked).

To start the ramble, take a taxi to Torii no moto, the large orange shrine torii gate that marks the beginning of the Atago Mountain precinct (Atago-san is the highest peak on the western ridge and the shrine is home to a powerful fire protection deity).
This red torii marks the start of a pilgrimage route to the top of Mt. Atago. On either side of the torii are huge 400 year-old tea houses that have served pilgrims and visitors for centuries. Meals are also served at both places (about 10,000 yen; reservations necessary). But for hardly anything you can enjoy a bowl of tea inside their ancient smoke-darkened interior.

To start the walk turn your back to the torii gate. With the gate to your back, turn left up the gentle slope, until you come to the unusual temple of Otagi Nenbutsu-ji on your left. An English pamphlet is available upon request.

On the hi...