Kyoto Nishiyama Hill Climb Sanpai 2026

Before you go

A stamp rally that pairs the satisfaction of hill climbing with visits to historic temples and shrines. The 35 spots are scattered across Kyoto's Nishiyama area — venerable temples and shrines alongside eateries; scan each spot's QR code with your phone to collect a digital stamp. Spots are weighted by difficulty (elevation, gradient), and repeat visits to the same spot keep earning points.

• Prize draw for cycling goods

Getting there

The event spans Rakusai (Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto), Muko, Nagaokakyo and Oyamazaki — no single venue. Spots differ, so check the special page before setting out.

Good for

Fit cycling enthusiasts; anyone who likes combining rides with temple visits and Nishiyama food. You need your own bicycle and a smartphone.

How it differs

Unlike ordinary cycling events, there is no mass start or fixed route: you set your own schedule and collect stamps over the three months from September to December. Unlike paper goshuin stamps at shrines and temples, these are digital stamps scanned by phone — and your points enter a prize draw.

The organizer is the Kyoto Nishiyama Ohara-no Hoshokai, backed by the Kyoto Prefecture Tourism Federation and the Kyoto City Tourism Association, with Kyoto Prefecture, Kyoto City, Muko, Nagaokakyo and Oyamazaki cooperating. This year's edition features more food stops than before, aiming to deepen the cultural experience through food.