Kasagiyama Nature Park, located in Kasagi Town, is an area rich in nature, including Mt. Kasagi. The mountain, on the south bank of the Kizu River, is about 288 meters tall and known for its mystical, gigantic rock formations, earning it the nickname of the “Theme Park of Giant Rocks.” It is a nationally designated Historic Site and Place of Scenic Beauty. The mountain paths offer a challenging yet rewarding climb with spectacular views from the summit. Most people with average physical fitness can reach the top.
If you're lucky, you also might see a sea of clouds from the top of the mountain in the cold season. The fantastic sight creates the sensation of being on an island floating in the sky. The mountaintop was also a renowned spot for moon gazing in the Edo Period (around 1603-1868). Today, the mountain is famous for its fall foliage, with about 3,000 sq. meter Kasagi-yama Momiji Park transforming into a breathtaking tapestry of crimson leaves of Japanese maple trees.
The mountain holds great historical significance. It has long been home to a temple of the Chisan school of Shingon Buddhism, Kasagidera Temple, which has ties to Todaiji Temple in Nara. The place also served as a residence for prominent monks like Jokei (1155-1213), as well as a training ground for yamabushi (Japanese mountain ascetic hermits who are believed to possess supernatural powers). The weight of the history including these solidified the place in Japanese Buddhism. Furthermore, at the end of Kamakura Period (1185-1333), it played a pivotal role as a location of the 96th emperor Godaigo's foiled plan to overthrow the Kamakura shogunate.
- Tel
- Kasagidera Temple: 0743-95-2848
- Address
- Kasagi, Kasagi Town, Soraku-gun, Kyoto
- Access
- Train: From Kasagi Station (JR Kansai Line), it's about 400m to the trailhead, and about 2.1km (about 40 min. hike) to Kasagidera Temple on Mt. Kasagi. You can also drive almost to the temple; paid parking is available.
Car: From Kamikoma Shichomachi intersection (at Fukujuen Yamashiro Higashi Teabag Factory) on National Route 24, it’s about 24 min. (14km) via National Route 163. - Business Hours
- Entry to the park: 9:00am - 4:00pm
- Price
- General (high school students or older): 300 yen (500 yen from April 1, 2025)
Junior high school students: 100 yen
Elementary school students and younger: Free - Parking
- Available
-On the mountain: 30 cars (500 yen)
The road is narrow, difficult for large buses to pass
-Kasagi Ikoi no Yakata: 170 cars (free)
Large buses can park
The spa and restaurants are currently closed
