Mount Atago

What it is

• A 336.3-meter mountain that served as the site of the former Kiroku Castle.
• The historical seat of power for the Shittaka clan who ruled the surrounding area.
• Home to Ryusen-in Temple, established in 1463 to mourn the castle lord Shittaka Shinzaburo.
• A natural landmark situated near the junction of the Nobori and Kushi Rivers.

What to see

• A horizontal cave known as Ranna located near the mountain summit.
• The remains of a signal fire site on the northeastern slope of the mountain.
• Ryusen-in Temple, which commemorates the lord who died in battle in 1459.
• Panoramic views of Minamiuonuma City from the various historical castle points.

Getting there

• Take a 15-minute bus ride from Muikamachi Station to the Yoshiyama stop.
• The hike to the summit takes approximately 30 minutes from the parking lot.
• Accessible by car via the Shiozawa-Ishiuchi Interchange on the Kan-etsu Expressway.

Notes written by Japan Gems from facts in Japanese Wikipedia.