Mount Nijō

What it is

• A mountain in the northern Kongo Range consisting of two peaks named Odake and Medake.
• The historic source of Sanukite stone used for making ancient tools.
• Site of the former Nijo Castle built by the warrior Kusunoki Masashige.
• A location spanning Katsuragi City and Taishi Town with national historic cave temple sites.

What to see

• Katsuragi Nijo Shrine standing at the summit of the Odake peak.
• The tomb of Prince Otsu located near the summit of Odake.
• The Iwaya and Rokutanji cave temple sites designated as national historic sites.
• Takenouchi Kaido, an ancient road built to the south of the mountain.

When to go

• April 23rd for the traditional Takenobori rain-making ritual.

Getting there

• Hiking trails are accessible from several Kintetsu Railway stations.

Notes written by Japan Gems from facts in Japanese Wikipedia.