Kyoto Oni Trail　4-Day Guided Hiking Tour

Walk from mountain myths to the sea on a journey through sacred forests, the Oe Mountains, and the historic Miyazu Kaido. Discover the legends of oni, the demons of Japanese folklore, and explore the iconic pine-lined sandbar of Amanohashidate.
 
Day 1 – Shrines & the Land of Oni
Approx. 5.1 km | 3 hours of walking
Explore the Oe area, enjoy local oni soba noodles, and visit Moto-Ise Naiku Shrine and Ama-no-Iwato Shrine. Walk through atmospheric forests and a scenic gorge, then discover local folklore at the Oni Museum.
 
Day 2 – Across the Oe Mountains
Approx. 6 km | 4.5 hours of walking
Visit Onidake Inari Shrine in the early morning before hiking across lush mountain ridges. Discover the legend of Shuten-doji, the demon king, and enjoy a trail-side bento lunch and a dinner featuring local ingredients at a mountain lodge.
 
Day 3 – The Historic Miyazu Kaido
Approx. 9.7 km | 4.5 hours of walking
Follow mountain trails and the historic Miyazu Kaido, with views of Kaya Valley and stories of Oni-no-Iwaya Cave. Pass Chayaganaru, where travellers once glimpsed the sea, before descending into the countryside. Take a local train from Kita Station to Miyazu, stay at historic Seikiro, and enjoy seasonal kaiseki cuisine.
 
Day 4 – Amanohashidate & Nariai-ji
Approx. 14.5 km | 3.5 hours of walking
Visit Chion-ji Temple and walk beneath the pine trees of Amanohashidate. Continue to Motoise Kono Shrine, then follow the Honzakado pilgrimage path to Nariai-ji Temple, the 28th temple on the Saigoku Kannon pilgrimage route. Enjoy sweeping coastal views before returning across the bay by sightseeing boat and finishing at Amanohashidate Station.