A small temple village in the north of Kyoto particularly impressive during the autumn leaf season when thousand of maple trees change colour. In summer and autumn some restaurants set out tables on platforms built over the Kiyotaki river for a unique “al fresco” experience. The village is known for its three historic temples: Jingoji set at the top of a spectacular set of stone stairs, Saimyoji with its vermilion Shigetsukyo Bridge and beautiful stone lanterns and Kozanji, a World Heritage Site displaying what is considered Japan’s first “manga”. Takao is a cycling and hiking paradise and the start of the Kiyotaki hiking trail that goes all the way to Arashiyama.