Mount Hatsuka

What it is

• An independent 524-meter peak located within the Tanba Highlands.
• A sacred site for Tanba Shugendo practitioners with a shrine at the summit.
• Locally known as Whale Mountain because of its distinctive physical shape.
• A historic landmark mentioned in the Shin Kokin Wakashu poetry anthology.

What to see

• Hatsuka Shrine situated at the highest point of the mountain.
• An observation deck at the summit providing panoramic views of the region.
• The Hatsuka River flowing along the eastern foot toward Sengari Reservoir.

Getting there

• Local buses run to the mountain from Sanda Station.

Notes written by Japan Gems from facts in Japanese Wikipedia.