9 Mountains in Wakayama worth your time

This 858-meter mountain on the Osaka-Wakayama border features a protected beech forest, historic shrines, and panoramic views of the Osaka Plain.

What it is

• A mountain standing 858 meters above sea level on the Osaka and Wakayama border.
• Part of the Kongo-Ikoma-Kisen Quasi-National Park since 1996.
• Home to two Hachidai Ryuo-sha shrines and the Takaogami Shrine at the summit.
• Site of a beech forest designated as a national natural monument in 1923.

What to see

• A stone sanctuary and torii gate donated by the Kishiwada feudal lord.
• A rare beech forest growing across the northern slope of the mountain.
• An observation deck at the summit providing views over the Osaka Plain.
• Two shrines dedicated to the deity Katsuragi Hitokotonushi.

Getting there

• Hiking trails lead to the summit from the cities of Kishiwada and Kaizuka.
• The summit is accessible by car via several forest roads.
• Parking and toilet facilities are located near the mountain top.

Read more about Mount Izumi Katsuragi

A UNESCO-listed Shingon Buddhist sanctuary founded in 816, offering historic temples, a massive forest cemetery, and unique temple lodgings.

What it is

• A Shingon Buddhist sanctuary founded by Kūkai in 816 within a high-altitude mountain basin.
• A UNESCO World Heritage site featuring 117 sub-temples and the head temple Kongōbu-ji.
• A major religious center where many temples provide overnight lodging for visitors.
• The central complex for secret Buddhist rituals known as the Danjō Garan.

What to see

• The Okunoin area featuring over 200,000 graves and the mausoleum of Kūkai.
• The Daimon gate which serves as the massive main entrance to the mountain complex.
• The Reihōkan Museum which houses and preserves two percent of Japan's national treasures.
• The Danjō Garan central complex containing various sacred buildings and structures.

Getting there

• Take the Nankai Cable Car to Kōyasan Station to reach the mountain top.

Read more about Mount Kōya

A mountain peak bordering Osaka and Wakayama featuring modern radar installations and views of the Izumi mountain range.

What it is

• A mountain peak standing 885.7 meters above sea level within the Izumi range.
• The name refers to the historical borders of three ancient provinces.
• The summit area serves as a hub for air route surveillance radar and broadcasting stations.
• The triangulation point sits between the cities of Izumi and Kawachinagano.

What to see

• Large air route surveillance radar installations located near the summit.
• Broadcasting relay stations including an FPU station operated by NHK Osaka.
• Shukuyama and the Nanagoshi Pass located to the west of the peak.
• A paved forest road that leads visitors close to the mountain top.

Getting there

• The mountain is accessible via National Route 480.
• Narrow road widths prevent large vehicles from passing through the area.

Read more about Mount Mikuni

A scenic 870-meter mountain plateau featuring a massive 13-hectare silver grass field and panoramic views of Shikoku.

What it is

• A 13-hectare grassland located within the Oishi Kogen Prefectural Natural Park.
• The highest peak of the Nagamine mountain range reaching 870 meters.
• A plateau spanning the border of Kimino Town and Aridagawa Town.
• The name originates from a massive 50-meter rock located at Oishi Shrine.

What to see

• Expansive fields of silver grass covering the summit area.
• Panoramic views of the Izumi Mountains and the island of Shikoku.
• A first-class triangulation point marking the highest peak of Mount Oishigamine.
• Agricultural fields used for the cultivation of tomatoes and cucumbers.
• A vacation home development known as Sky Villa established in 1973.

When to go

• Spring for the annual controlled mountain burning performed by volunteers.

Read more about Oishi Highlands

The highest peak in the Izumi Mountains, serving as a significant religious training site for Shugendo practitioners amidst dense cedar forests.

What it is

• The highest peak in the Izumi Mountains standing 922 meters above sea level.
• One of the Osaka 50 Mountains spanning Kawachinagano and Hashimoto cities.
• The fourteenth training station of the Katsuragi Shugendo religious path.

What to see

• The Kagami no Yuku religious shrine located near the mountain top.
• Dense cedar forests that surround the entire summit area.
• Wooden benches and chairs provided for hikers at the peak.
• Thick patches of bamboo grass growing near the highest point.

Getting there

• Hiking routes are accessible starting from the Takihata Dam area.
• Trailheads begin at Kimi Pass for those climbing the mountain.
• The summit can be reached via paths from Zao Pass.

Read more about Mount Minami Katsuragi

A 755-meter peak known as Kishu Fuji, offering rare magnetic rocks and unique flora within a designated prefectural natural park.

What it is

• The main peak of the Ryumon Mountains reaching an elevation of 755.9 meters.
• Commonly referred to as Kishu Fuji and selected as one of the Kansai 100 Famous Mountains.
• A designated prefectural natural park that served as a 1359 battlefield for Northern and Southern Courts.
• A protected area containing soil with high levels of nickel and magnesium.

What to see

• A magnetic rock located at the summit designated as a natural monument.
• Colonies of Spiraea ogawae flowers growing near the summit area.
• The southern limit for the Luehdorfia japonica butterfly species.
• A summit area designated as a first-class special zone for nature conservation.

Read more about Mount Ryūmon

A 73-meter mountain in Wakayama City featuring historical monuments, a scenic plum garden, and a public swimming facility.

What it is

• A 73-meter mountain also known as Goboyama or Mirokujiyama.
• The former site of the Ikko-shu Mirokuji Temple and a castle built by Saika Magoichi.
• A designated scenic district that serves as a temporary evacuation site for disasters.
• The location of the Akiba Daigongen Hall established on the southwest side.

What to see

• A monument dedicated to Abbot Kennyo located at the summit.
• A plum garden donated by a local businessman in 1976.
• The Akibasan Park Prefectural Swimming Pool which opened in 1967.
• A 100-meter tunnel completed through the mountain in 1980.

Read more about Mount Akiba

A 253-meter mountain in Shingu featuring ancient shrine sites and ridge paths within a UNESCO World Heritage forest.

What it is

• A mountain separating Shingu city center from the Kumano River.
• Part of the Kumano Hayatama Taisha World Heritage site.
• A national forest containing two distinct peaks known as Gongen and Kannokura.
• The site where ancient sutra mounds and containers were discovered.

What to see

• Kamikura Shrine located on the southern peak of the mountain.
• The ridge path which forms part of the Kinki Nature Trail.
• Steep cliffs on the western slope facing the Kumano River.
• Views from the highest point reaching an elevation of 253 meters.

Read more about Mount Chihogamine

A historic peak in Wakayama City where emperors once visited, offering scenic coastal views and ancient monument ruins.

What it is

• A mountain located behind Tamatsushima Shrine also known as Mount Kyara.
• The site of an imperial decree issued by Emperor Shomu in 724.
• A location where Empress Shotoku stayed at the Bokaio pavilion in 765.
• Home to a prayer station originally constructed around 1831.

What to see

• The Bokaio Ruins Monument which is a designated city cultural property.
• Panoramic views of the surrounding sea and coastal landscape from the summit.
• The relocated monument marking the site of the former imperial pavilion.

Read more about Mount Tengu