Kyoto to Lake Biwa - Mt. Daimonji, Kyoto wilderness and 'almost' Mt. Hiei

READ FIRST!

I've rated this track "difficult" due to the fact that there are a couple of sections that require walking through short sections of flooded road (up to the ankles), so make sure you're wearing waterproof footwear. These sections may dry up in the summer, but I couldn't say for sure.

Additionally, there is a VERY steep descent shortly after summiting Mt. Daimonji, requiring you to make good use of handholds and really digging your heels in. Track markers become almost inexistent in small segments and it may feel like you're winging it (I was) until the Trail Run markers start to show up.

Lastly, following this track requires paying close attention due to the constant shifting of marker types you'll be following. Just follow the track closely when in doubt and you'll be fine 😄👍

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I started rather late in the day, arriving at Keage station. Instead of heading straight for Nanzenji, I wasted about 30-odd minutes by heading for Himukai-Daijingu Shrine, which clearly wasn't leading me towards Mt. Daimonji, my first objective for today.

So I backtrack to Keage station, hit Record, and this time follow the path down and cross Keage Sosui Park. The park is very small and if you keep to your right you'll eventually make it to a beautiful but short walk along a small canal that'll lead you straight to Nanzenji temple.

The path is pretty straightforward; just follow the path left of Nanzenji, past the aqueduct and you'll eventually reach Komaga Falls (駒ヶ滝).
I forgot to take a picture but apparently this a certified spot for the practice of standing under the VERY strong stream of water, which falls from quite some height.
Since we'd had heavy rain just a couple of days ago, the water hits with real force, and there are signs in English asking to not do so naked and without the proper preparatory rituals (further research needed!).

The path winds up right of the waterfall, past a cool little cave shrine and here is where one must start paying close attention to available signage especially at intersections.
From here on out the path blends with the Kyoto trail leading you up and up towards Daimonji summit, with some impressive views of all of Kyoto and even Osaka off in the distance. There is a picnic area here with plenty of seating and 'tables' where about a dozen locals were enjoying the view and food they'd brought with them.

+++The next section is potentially the trickiest due the fact that it may feel like you're headed nowhere fast, but trust in the trail. From this point onwards I encountered very few people, and certainly not a single foreigner.+++

On the (very steep) way down, you'll do some river crossing and have to wade through some flooding sections of abandoned road until you eventually hit a newer section of road, complete with traffic. There is almost no pavement to speak of but there are some sections where you can step out of the way of traffic and eventually reach Fudo Onsen.

Follow the course of the river (there is no trail to speak of) for a few hundred metres and eventually you'll encounter some white Trail Run markers that follow a relatively obvious path up through the woods.
I'm relieved to find these because I really thought I was heading nowhere, but these happen to belong to a Mt. Hiei trail running event. Basically, I got lucky; because Mt. Hiei was my final destination for today's challenge.

Keep going and you'll eventually come to a relay station and an observation platform with some amazing views of Kyoto, Osaka, Yamashina Ward, Otsu and Lake Biwa. There are also a couple of vending machines in case you happen to be running low on fluids. Talk about convenient!

Follow the road for just a bit using the designated pedestrian path until you reach a massive tollgate with a nature trail sign directly opposite (right side).
I feel as though I'm closing in on my objective but there's still a ways to go and a 200+ meter climb and dusk is closing in, so I decide to take the shortest route down towards lake Biwa.

The path downhill is a lot more straightforward and forgiving. You'll cross some old stone bridges traversing lush green scenery with about a dozen waterfalls, albeit most of them manmade.

You'll eventually make it to a cemetery, with Karasaki station, and Lake Biwa, just beyond.

All in all this was a very enjoyable hike, attempting to get as much 'green' as possible door-to-door from Kyoto to Lake Biwa. There are so many trails out there—I can't wait to continue exploring them!

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