Scenic viewpoints in Kyoto

Scenic Viewpoints and Peaks

Kyoto's geography is defined by the mountains surrounding the city basin and iconic landmarks that punctuate its skyline. This selection features the 131-meter Kyoto Tower, the historic 155-meter Togetsu Bridge in Arashiyama, and the sacred 924-meter Mt. Atago. From the heights of the Hiei-zan Driveway to the rural vistas of Ohara, these locations offer perspectives ranging from urban panoramic decks to traditional 'kawarake-nage' spots where clay discs are thrown into forested valleys to ward off misfortune.

Scenic Viewpoints and Peaks — Map

Kentagon / CC BY-SA 4.0

A

Togetsu Bridge

This charming more than 150 meters long bridge with wonderful views of Mount Arashiyama is a great place for a stroll.

Kok Leng Yeo / CC BY 2.0

B

Kyoto Tower

Kyoto Tower is an observation tower located in Kyoto, Japan. The steel tower is the tallest structure in Kyoto with its observation deck at…

Sygic Travel User / CC-BY-SA

C

Summit Observation Deck

Located within Arashiyama's Kameyama Park, this observation deck overlooks the winding Hozugawa River and the tracks of the Sagano Scenic Railway.

D

Nyoigatake Mountain

This 472-meter peak on the Kyoto-Shiga border is the primary site for the 'Daimonji' bonfire during the annual Gozan no Okuribi summer festival.

E

Viewpoint

A roadside lookout point situated along the Hiei-zan Driveway, providing views of the dense forest and the mountains separating Kyoto from Shiga.

F

見晴らしの丘

A scenic rest area on the Hiei-zan Driveway that offers panoramic vistas of Lake Biwa and the neighboring city of Otsu.

G

桓武天皇御母御陵

The burial site of Empress Takano no Niigasa, located on a western hillside overlooking the southern Kyoto basin.

H

保津峡展望台

An observation point on the Arashiyama-Takao Parkway that provides a direct view of the Hozugawa River gorge and the Sagano romantic train route.

I

かわらけ投げ

A traditional site along the Arashiyama-Takao Parkway where visitors throw small, unglazed clay discs into the valley to ward off bad luck.

J

OHARA citta da visitare

A viewpoint overlooking the rural village of Ohara, featuring traditional farmhouses, terraced rice paddies, and the Kitayama mountain range.

K

展望良し

A quiet observation spot in the western hills of Oharano, equipped with a wooden bench for viewing the southern Kyoto suburbs.

L

竹久夢二旧跡

A memorial site dedicated to Taisho-era artist and poet Takehisa Yumeji, located on the slopes near the Iwashimizu Hachimangu Shrine.

Mass Ave 975 / CC BY-SA 3.0

M

Mt. Atago

Mount Atago is a very common name for peaks all over Japan.

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