Hotels near Jingo-ji at Takao

Jingo-ji peaks early to mid November, earlier than any other major site in this guide, so do not schedule it for the last week of the month. The temple sits on a wooded ridge above the Kiyotaki river in the Takao valley, and the walk in crosses a bridge then climbs a long stone stairway of around 350 steps. Hours are 9:00 to 16:00 and admission is 1,000 yen for junior high age and above.

The signature activity here is kawarake-nage, throwing small unglazed clay discs out over the Kinun valley from a platform at the top, sold separately on site. It is also the most physically demanding entry on the list, and worth saying plainly: the staircase is steep, uneven and unavoidable, with no accessible alternative. A single infrequent bus route serves the valley, the last return is early, and the site is fully weather exposed.

Pro Tip: Check the JR Bus return times before you start climbing, and plan to be back at the Yamashiro-Takao stop with 30 minutes to spare. Combine Jingo-ji with Saimyo-ji and Kozan-ji in the same valley, all within 20 minutes on foot, so one bus trip covers three temples.