Mount Kokuzō

What it is

• A 596-meter mountain bordering Tanbasasayama and Sanda in Hyogo Prefecture.
• Site of the former Kokuzo-do Temple founded by Prince Shotoku.
• A designated peak on the list of 100 Mountains of Hyogo.
• Part of the Kinki Nature Trail serving as a major river watershed.

What to see

• Sakatare Shrine located along the main approach to the summit.
• The Hyogo Museum of Ceramic Art situated at the base of the mountain.
• Ruins of temple buildings destroyed by Akechi Mitsuhide in 1579.
• Panoramic views from the summit overlooking the Kakogawa and Mukogawa rivers.

When to go

• Annual traditional climb held to view the first sunrise of the New Year.

Getting there

• Hiking trails are accessible from Aimoto and Kusano stations.

Notes written by Japan Gems from facts in Japanese Wikipedia.