Getting to Oharano

Oharano is located in the southwest corner of Kyoto city, about 1 hour from the center. The closest train stations to access the area are located between Osaka and Kyoto, but closer to Kyoto in proximity—Hankyu Katsura, Hankyu Higashi Muko, and JR Mukomachi. From either station you will need to get a bus or a taxi, the ride approximately 20 minutes. Once in Oharano, distances between sites listed vary, and some sites are uphill; if you enjoy walking you shouldn’t have any problems, but to maximize your enjoyment please plan ahead.


Getting to the nearest stations

Hankyu Line: Katsura Station

From Hankyu Osaka Umeda Station (Osaka central), take the limited or rapid express trains bound for Kyoto Kawaramachi. All trains stop at Katsura station.

From Kyoto Kawaramachi Station and Karasuma Station, take the limited or rapid express line bound for Osaka Umeda. All trains stop at Katsura station.

Hankyu Line: Higashi Muko Station

From Hankyu Umeda Station (Osaka central), take the limited or rapid express trains bound for Kawaramachi. Change trains at Nagaoka Tenjin Station (approximately 30 min ride) for a local train; Higashi Muko Station is another two stops in the same direction.

From Kyoto Kawaramachi Station and Karasuma Station, take the limited or rapid express line bound for Osaka Umeda. Change trains at Katsura Station (approximately 10 min ride) for a local train; Higashi Muko Station is two stops in the same direction.

JR Line: Mukomachi Station

From JR Osaka station, take the special rapid or rapid service bound for Kyoto. Change trains at Takatsuki Station (approximately 15min ride) for a local train; Mukomachi Station is four stops in the same direction.

From JR Kyoto Station, take the local bound for Osaka. Mukomachi Station is three stops in the same direction.


Getting to Oharano from the station

You can get to Oharano easily by taxi or bus from either station. Bus times vary, so please check ahead. Taxis are generally available; a one way trip to Oharano Shrine will cost approximately ¥2,000, for reference. Buses are approximately ¥300 per person per ride.

From Hankyu Katsura station

• Kyoto City Bus Rin Nishi No.2 (West Exit)

Runs from Katsura station to Minami Kasugacho before going back to Rakusai Bus Terminal. A 20 minute ride will bring you to Minami Kasugacho, a central part of Oharano, and a comfortable walking distance from Oharano Shrine. Buses are infrequent. Please check ahead.

• Keihan Kyoto Bus No. 13, 13B, 14 (East Exit)

Runs from Katsura station to the Nagamine bus stop. The ride takes 30 minutes, and will bring you almost to the foot of the mountains. This stop is popular with day hikers heading up the mountain. Buses are very infrequent. Please check ahead.

From Higashi Muko or Mukomachi stations

• Hankyu Bus No. 63

Runs from JR Mukomachi Station to Hankyu Higashimuko before heading towards Oharano. A 20-minute ride will bring you to Minami Kasugacho bus stop, a central part of Oharano, and a comfortable walking distance from Oharano Shrine. Buses run approximately every 30 min.

• Hankyu Bus No. 66

Runs from JR Mukomachi Station to Hankyu Higashimuko before heading towards Oharano. A 30 minute ride will take you right up the mountain to Yoshiminedera Temple. Buses run hourly between 9am and 4pm.


Cycling around Oharano

Good weather permitting, cycling Oharano can be a pleasant experience and offers you the freedom to choose when and where you want to go. You can park your bicycle just about anywhere. The more adventurous cyclists will enjoy the mountain pass into Osaka with its relatively well-maintained, winding roads; you’ll meet few cars here, but be prepared for the slopes.

From the nearest stations there is a gentle climb on the road to Oharano, and traversing the area can be hilly and hard to cycle. For those who would like to cycle but want to reduce the effort involved, electric bicycles are available for rental from Cycle Base Asahi’s Rakusai Nishiguchi store, which is located a short distance from Hankyu Rakusaiguchi station. See their site for more information on rentals and tours of the area.


Exploring Oharano by car

Aside from hiking trails, a car will give you greater freedom of movement in Oharano, allowing you to see more with less travel time. As the area is mostly agricultural, roads can be narrow, but with a general speed limit of 30 km/hr, traffic is slow and drivers will generally slow down and be careful when passing you. Car navigation will be of assistance, but it is not necessary. Parking is available at most destinations, but check ahead.


Hiking Oharano

Oharano offers plenty of hiking trails for avid hikers. Food and water are not readily available, and toilet facilities are available, but at limited places, so please be prepared. It helps to know before you go. We will be offering more information for hikers in English at a later date.