Tenkawa Village Sightseeing PageMount Omine, the World Heritage Site
UNESCO World Heritage:
Sacred Sites & Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range
Yoshino Omine, a sacred site of Shugendo (mountain asceticism), and its pilgrimage route Omine Okugake-michi were registered as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage along with Mount Koya, three important shrines in Kumano, and others. It is the 12th World Heritage Site in Japan. This is one of the only two pilgrimage routes in the world to be registered as a World Heritage site. The other one is “Santiago de Compostela” which connects Spain and France.
World Cultural Heritage
Climb a world heritage site
Omine Okugake-michi
- UNESCO World Heritage Site
- For Experienced Mountain Hikers
This route allows you to fully experience the essence of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, “Omine Okugake-michi.” It traverses the deep historical forest, offering a journey through the soul and spirit of Shugendo, the ascetic path.
Mount Sanjo-gatake (Mount Omine)
- UNESCO World Heritage Site
- For Intermediate-level Mountain Hikers
- Only males are permitted to enter Mount Sanjo-gatake
This route allows you to fully experience the essence of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, “Omine Okugake-michi.” It traverses the deep historical forest, offering a journey through the soul and spirit of Shugendo, the ascetic path.
Hiking
Mountains connected to world heritage sites
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Mount Misen, Mount Hakkyo-gatake
- For Intermediate-level and Experienced Mountain Hikers
Mount Omine, which is one of Japan's Top 100 Mountains refers to the entire mountain range, including Mount Sanjo-gatake, Mount Misen (1895 meters) and Mount Hakkyo-gatake (1915 meters). Among them, Mount Hakkyo-gatake, also known as Bukkyo-gatake or Hakkensan, is the highest peak in the Kinki region.
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Mount Kannon-mine
- For Beginner-level Mountain Hikers
The hiking trail to the Mount Kannon-mine Observation Deck [1285 meters] (the summit is 1347 meters) is a popular route throughout the seasons. The mountain trail is well-maintained and hikers can enjoy a spectacular mountain panorama approximately 90 minutes after departing the trailhead.
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Mount Gyoja-gaeri-dake
- For Intermediate or Experienced-level Mountain Hikers
Mout Gyoja-gaeri-dake, standing at an elevation of 1546 meters, is situated between Mount Daifugen-dake and Mount Misen on the Omine Okugake-michi trail. The southern side of the peak features a precipitous cliff, and the mountain's name derives from the legend that even En-no Gyoja (the founder of Shugendo) once had to turn back due to the challenging terrain.
For the Preservation of Culture and Life
Landscape, culture, and history intertwined with nature. As a sacred environment where many esteemed monks and dignitaries have visited, creating new things and encouraging renewal, it is crucial for all of us to understand that we must inherit and preserve this sacred natural setting at a higher level.
