Mount Atago

Mount Atago rises to 924 meters (3,031 feet) and features stone steps and paved paths that wind through thick forests toward the peak in northwestern Kyoto. The trail system offers multiple routes with well-marked paths that receive regular maintenance.

The mountain was recognized as one of 300 Famous Japanese Mountains and among the 100 Famous Kansai Mountains, establishing its place in Japan's geographic heritage. This designation reflected a long tradition of reverence by pilgrims and mountain seekers.

The shrine at the summit draws pilgrims seeking protection from fire through prayer and offerings. Visitors experience a place where local beliefs about safety and guardianship remain alive in daily practice.

The climb to the summit takes about four hours from the Kiyotaki bus stop and involves navigating stone steps and uneven terrain. Weather and daylight change quickly on the mountain, so proper footwear and sufficient water are essential for the journey.

Parents bring children under three years to the shrine at the peak, following a custom promising lifelong protection from fire. This unusual practice reveals how deeply the connection between this place and beliefs about safety runs through local tradition.