A Sacred Mountain Connected to the Kumano Kodo
Nanakoshi-no-mine is also closely associated with the Omine Okugakemichi, a historic mountain pilgrimage route that forms part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site “Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range.”
The Omine Okugakemichi is one of Japan’s great mountain pilgrimage routes. Historically used for the demanding ascetic practices of Shugendo, it connects the sacred mountains of Yoshino with the Kumano region.
Nanakoshi-no-mine is traditionally regarded as the first mountain climbed along the Junpō route. The route passes through the Kumano landscape and across the Kumano River, offering hikers a chance to experience the mysterious atmosphere that has attracted pilgrims to the region for centuries.
Today, the mountain is also popular with hikers. Although it is associated with a historic pilgrimage route, sections of the trail are relatively accessible, making it an appealing destination for visitors who want to combine sightseeing with a short hike.
A View Loved by the Poet Saigyō
Nanakoshi-no-mine is also connected with the celebrated poet and Buddhist monk Saigyō, who lived during the late Heian period.
Saigyō is said to have visited the area during a pilgrimage to Kumano and was deeply moved by its scenery. In his poetry collection Sankashū, he composed a poem describing the beautiful sight of Nanakoshi-no-mine illuminated by moonlight.
A monument commemorating Saigyō’s poem still stands near the summit. In the quiet mountain surroundings, visitors can pause beside the monument and imagine how the same landscape may have appeared to travelers centuries ago.
An Enmei Jizō statue is also enshrined on the mountain. Jizō is traditionally associated with protection and compassion, and visitors have long prayed for safe journeys and long, healthy lives.
Nanakoshi-no-mine Forest Park and Its Cherry Blossoms
A Mountain Covered in Cherry Blossoms in Spring
One of Nanakoshi-no-mine’s greatest attractions is Nanakoshi-no-mine Forest Park. Located at an elevation of around 260 meters, the park is home to large numbers of cherry trees, including Somei Yoshino, wild mountain cherries, and weeping cherry trees.
Estimates vary, but approximately 1,000 to 2,000 cherry trees are said to grow throughout the park and surrounding slopes. When spring arrives, the mountain takes on soft shades of pink, creating a beautiful contrast with the deep green forests of Kumano.
The cherry blossoms are particularly attractive because of the views beyond them. From the mountain, visitors can see the area around Kumano Hongu Taisha and Oyunohara, creating a memorable combination of flowers, mountains, and sacred landscapes.
Discover the Native Kumano Cherry
The park and surrounding mountain also contain naturally growing Kumano-zakura, a wild cherry variety that has attracted considerable attention in recent years.
Kumano-zakura is native to the southern Kii Peninsula and generally blooms somewhat earlier than Somei Yoshino cherry trees. This means that visitors traveling in early spring may have the opportunity to enjoy both naturally occurring wild cherry blossoms and cultivated cherry trees during the same visit.
Beautiful Scenery Throughout the Seasons
Nanakoshi-no-mine is not only a spring destination. The mountain changes its appearance throughout the year.
In early summer, colorful azaleas add bright accents to the landscape, while autumn brings beautiful foliage to the surrounding mountains. Winter offers crisp air and clear views, creating a quiet and contemplative atmosphere.
Because the scenery changes with every season, returning at a different time of year can reveal an entirely new side of the mountain.
A Magnificent Viewpoint Over Kumano Hongu
Nanakoshi-no-mine is particularly popular as a viewpoint overlooking the Hongu area. Near the observation parking area, visitors can look across the valley toward Oyunohara and its enormous torii gate, as well as Kumano Hongu Taisha.
The panoramic view encompasses the Kumano River, the surrounding villages, rice fields, and layers of forested mountains. Together, they form a landscape that captures the distinctive character of the Kumano region.
The scenery can be especially atmospheric in the early morning, when mist sometimes settles over the valleys, or in the evening, when the changing light creates a peaceful and almost mystical landscape.
A Popular Paragliding Launch Site
Nanakoshi-no-mine is also known as a paragliding launch site. From the air, the mountains, forests, river, and villages of Kumano form a spectacular panorama.
Even for visitors who do not take to the sky, watching paragliders launch from the mountain can add an exciting element to a visit.
Access
Nanakoshi-no-mine can be reached by driving south from Kumano Hongu Taisha along National Route 168, crossing Bisaki Bridge, and continuing up the mountain road. The journey from the shrine takes approximately 10 minutes by car.
From the Kamitonda Interchange on the Kisei Expressway, the drive takes approximately 60 minutes via National Routes 42 and 311.
It is possible to drive relatively close to the summit, and an observation parking area and restroom facilities are available, making the mountain comparatively easy to visit.
However, some sections of the mountain road are narrow. Drivers should proceed carefully, particularly when encountering oncoming vehicles.
For those traveling on foot, Nanakoshi-no-mine can also be reached from Kumano Hongu Taisha in approximately 30 minutes, making it a convenient option for visitors who want to combine shrine sightseeing with a short hike.
A Quiet Mountain Watching Over Kumano Hongu
Nanakoshi-no-mine brings together many of the elements that make Kumano such a fascinating destination: spectacular mountain scenery, ancient pilgrimage traditions, sacred sites, seasonal flowers, and centuries of cultural history.
Looking down from the mountain toward Oyunohara, the great torii gate, Kumano Hongu Taisha, and the Kumano River offers a unique perspective on the spiritual heart of the region.
The connection with the Omine Okugakemichi and Shugendo adds another layer of meaning to the landscape, while the story of Saigyō and the poetry monument provides a glimpse into the travelers and pilgrims who have admired these mountains for generations.
Experience the Natural and Spiritual Beauty of Kumano
Whether visited during cherry blossom season, the colorful autumn months, or the quiet winter, Nanakoshi-no-mine offers beautiful views and a peaceful atmosphere.
For travelers exploring Kumano Hongu, taking a short trip to this scenic mountain provides an opportunity to see the region from above and to appreciate the close relationship between nature, pilgrimage, and Japanese spirituality.
Nanakoshi-no-mine is a rewarding viewpoint where the vast landscapes and sacred history of Kumano come together. When visiting Kumano Hongu, consider adding this quiet mountain retreat to your itinerary and experience the panoramic beauty of the Kii Peninsula.