Mount Minobu

Overview

Mount Minobu rises to 1,153 meters on the border of Minobu and Hayakawa towns in southern Yamanashi Prefecture. More than a scenic peak, it is a sacred mountain: its name serves as the sango (mountain title) of Kuon-ji, the head temple of the Nichiren school of Buddhism, and it is counted among Japan's three great Buddhist holy mountains. Temple halls spread across the foot of the slope while pilgrim paths climb toward the summit, letting visitors combine hiking with quiet temple visits.

Highlights

• ●A sacred 1,153-meter peak counted among Japan's three great Buddhist holy mountains
• ●The temple halls of head temple Kuon-ji and the pilgrim path to the summit
• ●Hiking on a peak listed among the 100 Famous Mountains of Yamanashi
• ●Sweeping summit panoramas toward Mount Fuji and the Southern Alps

History

Mount Minobu has drawn deep devotion since the Kamakura period, when the founder of the Nichiren school spent his final years here. The name Minobu was adopted as the sango of the head temple Kuon-ji, and the mountain has served ever since as a center of pilgrimage for believers from across Japan. Listed among the 100 Famous Mountains of Yamanashi, it carries a rare blend of religious history and natural beauty.

Map

35.3975, 138.4164 · Wikidata

Suggested itinerary

1. 1Visit the halls of Kuon-ji at the mountain's foot and take in the quiet grounds
2. 2Ascend toward the summit by ropeway or along the pilgrim path
3. 3Enjoy the views of Mount Fuji and the surrounding ranges from the top
4. 4After descending, sample local specialties in the temple town of Minobu

Did you know?

💡 The name Minobu is both a mountain and the sango of Kuon-ji temple. Note that the similarly named Misogi Shrine lies in Hokuto City and is an entirely different place, so take care not to confuse the two when planning a trip.

Nearby spots