Atago Shrine

Atago Shrine sits atop 924-meter Mt. Atago, the highest peak in the mountains northwest of Kyoto. Established in 701 AD, the shrine is dedicated to Homusubi-no-mikoto (also known as Kagutsuchi), the deity of fire, and has served as the head of some 900 Atago shrines across Japan that protect against fire. The main hiking trail begins at Kiyotaki, accessible by bus from JR Saga-Arashiyama Station, and climbs approximately 4 kilometers through ancient cedar forests along a well-maintained stone path. The ascent takes about 2 hours and the descent about 1.5 hours. Along the way, hikers pass rest stations and small shrines with views opening up over the Kyoto basin. The annual Sennichi Mairi (Thousand-Day Pilgrimage) on the night of July 31st is the most popular event, when thousands of pilgrims climb through the night with lanterns, believing that a single visit on this night equals 1,000 visits. The summit offers panoramic views and a serene atmosphere far removed from the bustling city below.