The viewing platform at Shōgunzuka Seiryūden is a fun little excursion in Kyōto that rewards the tiring climb with a fantastic panoramic view over the city.

We decided to hike our way up. Finding the starting point turned out to be not quite that easy. First we tried at Awata-jinja, but a closed gate blocked our path. A street further north by Shoren-in finally led us into the forest.

A path that is sometimes a bit hard to spot winds its way through the woods, eventually leading around the base of the viewing platform and ending at a car park. At a leisurely pace, the ascent takes about 30 minutes. If you’re not good on your feet, you can always just take a taxi up. 😉

Once at the top, you pay an entrance fee (500¥) and then step onto the viewing platform. Not only is the view spectacular there, but also the - in the truest sense of the word - cool benches made of thick glass blocks.

Right next to it stands the former viewing platform on a scaffold. From here you have a magnificent view of central Kyōto. Before leaving the place, it is definitely worth spending a few minutes strolling through the small landscaped garden on the grounds.