Mount Ōmine

Overview

Mount Ōmine is a 1,719-meter sacred mountain located in the Yoshino district of southern Nara Prefecture, and is counted among the 100 Famous Japanese Mountains. In a broad sense the name refers to the Ōmine mountain range, while in a narrow sense it denotes Mount Sanjō. The mountain has long been known as a center of the Shugendō faith, and the area lies within Yoshino-Kumano National Park.

Highlights

• ●A 1,719-meter sacred peak listed among the 100 Famous Japanese Mountains
• ●A historic mountain associated with the Shugendō faith
• ●Natural surroundings within Yoshino-Kumano National Park
• ●A component of the World Heritage sites and pilgrimage routes of the Kii Mountain Range

History

Historically, the name Ōmine referred to the peaks stretching from Ozasa, south of Mount Sanjō, down to Kumano. In the Shugendō tradition, the area south of Aonegamine was called Ōmine, while the area to the north was regarded as Yoshino. The region was designated as Yoshino-Kumano National Park in 1936 and registered as a UNESCO biosphere reserve in 1980. In July 2004, related historic sites were inscribed as elements of a World Heritage listing.

Map

34.2528, 135.9406 · Wikidata

Suggested itinerary

1. 1Set out toward the mountain area from the gateway in the Yoshino district
2. 2Follow the trails and visit sites associated with the Shugendō faith
3. 3Take in the views from the peaks around Mount Sanjō
4. 4Experience the natural environment of the national park before returning

Did you know?

💡 The area is registered as a UNESCO biosphere reserve together with Ōdaigahara and Ōsugidani.

Nearby spots