The town where I grew up is in the Alps, famous for Mont Blanc, the highest peak in Europe. Mountaineers visit from all over the world. I have experienced numerous hiking trails in my hometown since I was a child. This time, I challenged myself to climb Mount Yuzuruha in Minamiawaji City, Hyogo Prefecture. I'm excited to see what kind of mountain it is!

Heading for the summit via the trail through Yuzuruha Shrine.

The climb starts on a paved road. Mount Yuzuruha can be seen up ahead. Provided by: Yuzuruha Shrine

Mount Yuzuruha (Yuzuruha-san) is the highest peak on Awaji Island, with an altitude of 607.9m, located in the Yuzuruha Mountains in Minamiawaji City, Hyogo Prefecture. The name of Mount Yuzuruha is derived from the fact that Izanagi-no-Mikoto and Izanami-no-Mikoto, the gods who symbolize "the creation of Japan" in Japanese mythology, landed on a kaya tree at the summit on the wings of a crane, and it has flourished as a sacred site for Shugendo since ancient times.

There are two hiking trails for beginners on Mount Yuzuruha. The Omotesando Trail is on the south side (Nada Kuroiwa) and the Urasando Trail is on the north side (Yuzuruha Dam).

This time, I decided to take the Omotesando route. First, I started from the roadway on Kuroiwa Coast, saw the signboard of the Yuzuruha Old Road Omotesando, and entered the old road. There are old roads with bumpy stones and stone steps that remain to this day, so I climbed without slipping. On the way, there are many Jizo statues, making it a route where you can feel the history of the mountain.

The stone steps and soil areas were a little slippery due to the rain the day before, but carefully, and a little on alert, I climbed up the uphill road steadily.

Yuzuruha Shrine, nestled deep in the mountains.

Torii of Yuzuruha Shrine. It is said to have been opened about 2,000 years ago

After about an hour and a half, I saw the torii of Yuzuruha Shrine. Yuzuruha Shrine used to be a major training hall for Shugendo. Shugendo is a unique Japanese religious system that combines nature worship and Buddhist practices, aiming at enlightenment and salvation through rigorous training. I was able to feel the spirit of the training from the steep mountain path and the silence in nature. The moment I saw the shrine, I felt relieved, perhaps because I felt spiritual peace. It was a very quiet and spiritually calming place. I decided to calm my tired mind and body before heading to the summit.

Resuming the climb. The figure of Nushima Island came into view!

Nushima Island, a remote island of Minamiawaji City, can be seen right there. Nushima Island is said to be the first island "Onokoro Island" created by the gods in ancient times

About 15 minutes on foot from the torii, I headed for the shrine enshrined at the summit. On the way, the sea spreads out below. Nushima Island was right there, and I was impressed. I couldn't help but stop and take a picture. It was a very photogenic place.

A climbing path with continuing slopes

I didn't notice it because I was trailing through the trees on the way here, but there were some places where there were no trees as I approached the summit, and it seemed to be very windy. As I approached the summit, the wind became even stronger. I faced the wind and climbed vigorously. The summit is near!

Finally, I arrived at the summit of Mount Yuzuruha, the highest peak of Awaji Island.

The stone monument at the summit says "Mount Yuzuruha Altitude 608.0m" and "Otabisho Yuzuruha Shrine." "Otabisho" refers to the place where the portable shrine (mikoshi) is carried during the shrine's festival.

A full smile with a sense of accomplishment from reaching the summit

I climbed to the summit in 1 hour and 45 minutes from the start! This stone monument is a popular spot for taking commemorative photos as "proof of reaching the summit." Also, during the Spring Festival in April, the portable shrine is temporarily placed here, making it a very sacred place.

From the summit, you can see far beyond the sea, a wonderful view! The calm blue sea of the Seto Inland Sea spreads out below, with islands scattered beyond. The boundary line between the sea and the sky was softly melting.

If the weather is good, you can see the Naruto Bridge and Shikoku, and you can enjoy a 360-degree panorama

The main shrine of Yuzuruha Shrine is at the summit of Mount Yuzuruha. It is made of hinoki wood on a concrete foundation, and it is said to be a sturdy structure that can withstand a wind speed of 50 meters

At the summit of Mount Yuzuruha, there was the summit shrine of Yuzuruha Shrine, which I had visited on the way up. A summit shrine is a shrine built on the summit of a mountain, based on the traditional Japanese belief that the entire mountain is a sacred existence. It has been popular with many people as a destination for hiking and pilgrimage, and it is a place where they can face nature and offer spiritual fulfillment and prayers.

Yuzuruha Shrine is famous along with Sengen Taisha Shrine of Mount Fuji, and it is worshiped as a sacred place to pray for a safe voyage and good harvest. I was able to come to a valuable place.

Mount Yuzuruha is a place where you can have a spiritual experience unique to Japan.

Descending the mountain while admiring the autumn leaves

Saying goodbye to Nushima Island

Climbing Mount Yuzuruha had some steep slopes, but once I got past them, it wasn't that difficult. I think it's easy for beginners to climb, so I would definitely recommend it to friends who want to try climbing.

I have experienced many hiking trails in the Alps so far, but this time climbing Mount Yuzuruha was a special experience, with stairs leading to the shrine on the way and a main shrine at the summit, and there were many moments when I felt that I was trekking in a sacred area. It was a beautiful and peaceful spiritual climb.

Yuzuruha Shrine

Address: 472 Nada Kuroiwa, Minamiawaji City, Hyogo Prefecture

TEL: 090-3990-5334

Regular holiday: None

https://yuzuruha.jimdoweb.com/

Mount Yuzuruha

Location: Jindaiurakabe, Minamiawaji City, Hyogo Prefecture

Access: 15 minutes by Awaji Kotsu bus from Fukura, get off at Engyoji, 50 minutes walk

https://www.awajishima-kanko.jp/manual/detail.html?bid=192