Hidden in the outerskirts of Kyoto near Arashiyama, is an area that suits the needs of trekkers & hikers just like myself. It goes by the name of Kiyotaki. Around this area, nature and greenery scenes are in abundance. It will easily satisfy those looking to escape the droves of tourists who are nearby visiting the Bamboo forest and the bustling environment of Arashiyama. This area is easily accessible by KYOTO bus line, starting from the bus stop just near the Togetsu-kyo bridge intersection, on the left side.
DIRECTIONS
The bus ride to Kiyotaki from Arashiyama is about 15 minutes one way. You get to also pass through the infamous KIYOTAKI TUNNEL, which is noted to be haunted with the ghosts of the workers who died building the tunnel. The bus stop for Kiyotaki is right at the end of this tunnel. Once you get off the bus stop at the end of the Kiyotaki tunnel you will see two pathways, one intersecting up and the other pathway heading down. You can take either way as they will lead you to the same junction which is the small pass/bridge near a parking lot. Down below are photos to help guide your way once you hit the bridge/pass intersection. The path takes about 45 minutes from the bus stop to the foot of the Kuuyanotaki Waterfalls.
The Kuuya-No-Taki Waterfalls is a pretty lowkey place to hang out after a minute trek. It neighbors Mt. Atago, which is also another hike that could take up your afternoon. After arriving here with my friend Tim who had met up with me in Kyoto, we hung out and enjoyed the waterfall. At one point, we even were lucky enought to encounter monks who had performed "Takigyo", which is an ancient ritual of cleansing and strengthening of one's mind. It was such a sight to see and made me fall in love even more with Kyoto and even more specifically, Kiyotaki. Around the area are many paths to take and trek. One of the other most frequented paths is the Mt Atago hike, which begins at the small shed noted at the split intersection where you would take a slight left for the waterfalls.
