Mount Taka

What it is

• A peak designated as part of the Akita Shirakami Prefectural Natural Park since 2004.
• A historical site used for Shugendo mountain asceticism and spiritual training.
• The birthplace of the famous sumo wrestler Noshiro gata Kinsaku at the mountain base.

What to see

• Stone gods and Buddhist statues located at the mountain summit.
• The Shirakami-sanchi World Heritage Conservation Center situated at the foot of the mountain.
• Hiking trails that connect the conservation center directly to the summit.
• Garo Falls and the scenic Garo Gorge located near the mountain area.
• The Ichinowatari Castle ruins positioned on a plateau across the river.

When to go

• The local hot spring festival featuring traditional Taiko drum performances.

Notes written by Japan Gems from facts in Japanese Wikipedia.