Takagamine

Takagamine is a residential area in northern Kyoto's elevated terrain, combining traditional houses, modern apartments, and natural landscapes. The district rises about 160 meters above sea level and sits between urban and rural zones.

During Japan's imperial periods, this location served as a preferred hunting ground for rulers and nobility, as its name suggests with the word for hawk. The area held significance for leisure activities among the ruling classes.

The area maintains deep roots in traditional farming, particularly the cultivation of specialized vegetables that supply local restaurants and markets. This agricultural heritage shapes how residents and visitors experience the landscape today.

The area connects to central Kyoto through Kyoto City Bus at Dotenjocho Stop and provides access to the Karasuma subway line via Kitaoji Station. The hilly terrain means visitors should be prepared for longer walking distances.

The district contains sections of the Odoi, an earthen fortification built under Toyotomi Hideyoshi to mark boundaries around historical Kyoto. This defensive wall remains partially visible today and reminds visitors of an earlier chapter in the city's growth.

Location: Kita-ku

GPS coordinates: 35.05422,135.73081

Latest update: December 7, 2025 19:30