Atago Jinja Shrine, Kyoto

Hiking enthusiasts will make the effort to trek up to this mountain shrine--at a bit more than 900 meters, it is the highest point of Kyoto's western mountain range. It is located about three miles north of Arashiyama. Allow two and a half to three hours for the climb which can be approached from the Ni no Torii in the hamlet of Kiyotaki or from Hazukyo. The shrine was established in the late eighth century, to appease the god of fire. Summer-time pilgrimages are made here--it is known for its splendid cedar trees and as a favorite retreat for an icon of Japanese folklore, the karasu tengu, whose attributes include the beak and wings of a crow. Admission: Free

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