Mt. Kasagi in Kasagi rises 288 meters about the south bank of the Kizu River. It is home to many strange and mysterious rock formations giving it the nickname “Megalith Theme Park” and is designated as a historic scenic spot in Japan. Although it is not an easy hike, anyone with average ability can reach the top and enjoy the spectacular views.
From the top of the mountain, it looks like you are on an island floating in a sea of clouds. The view from the top of the mountain was a popular place to moon gaze during the Edo Period. The view is particular spectacular during the autumn season when the entire 3,000 sq. meter river valley is covered in carpet of red maple leaves
Mt. Kasagi is of great historical significance. It is home to a Shingon Buddhist temple of the Chisan School with historic connections to Todaiji on nearby Nara. Famous monks such as Jokei have lived at the temple and Yamabushi, or warrior hermits said to be imbued with supernatural powers, are said to have trained here; making it an important part of Japanese Buddhist history. What’s more, in the late Kamakura period (1185–1333), it was also the stage of foiled plot kill the shogun by the 96th Emperor Go-Daigo.
- Tel
- 0743-95-2848
- Address
- 〒619-1303
Kasagiyama, Kasagi-cho, Soraku-gun, Kyoto Prefecture - Access
- Train: 500m to the trailhead from Kasagi station on the JR Kansai Main Line and 2.1km to the top of the mountain and temple. Around a 45-minute hike. It is also possible to drive to the top and paid parking is available
Car: Approximately 24 minutes (14km) from the National Route 24 "Kamikoma 4-chome (Fukujuen Yamashiro East Factory)" exit via National Route 163. - Business Hours
- Entrance into the Park: 9:00am – 4:00pm
- Price
- Adults (High School students and up): 300 yen*
Middle School students: 100 yen*
Elementary School students and younger: Free*
*Admission for kasagi-dera Temple - Parking
- Available
On the Mountain: 20 parking spaces (fee: 500 yen)*large vehicles may have difficulty due to the narrow road.
Kasagi Ikoi-no-Yakata: 170 parking spaces (fee: Free) and space for large buses.
*The hot bath and restaurant are currently closed