Complete guide to the charms of Kongosan Katsuragi Shrine! Nearby Sightseeing Spots and Access Information

• Table of Contents
• What is Kongosan Katsuragi Shrine?
• The Charm of Kongosan Katsuragi Shrine
• Can You Get a Goshuin (Red Seal) at Katsuragi Shrine?
• Sightseeing Spots Around Katsuragi Shrine
• Access to Katsuragi Shrine
• How to get to Mount Kongo
• Kongo-san Katsuragi Shrine is a fascinating power spot where nature and history come together.

What is Kongosan Katsuragi Shrine?

Mount Kongo spans the border between Osaka and Nara Prefectures. Near the summit are Tenporin Temple and Katsuragi Shrine.

The shrine has a long history, dating back to the Asuka period. In 665, En no Gyoja, a mountain ascetic, founded Tenporin Temple after years of rigorous training, established Katsuragi Shrine to enshrine Hitokotonushi no Okami, a deity believed to be his ancestor. Today, Katsuragi Shrine, houses 38 deities that protect Mount Kongo.

Since ancient times, Mount Kongo has been considered a sacred mountain where Shinto and Buddhism coexist in harmony, a practice known as “Shinbutsu-shugo” (syncretism of Shinto and Buddhism). However, in the Meiji period, the government’s separation policy allowed only Katsuragi Shrine to remain, resulting in the closure of Tenporin Temple. Through efforts by the Kongo Association, the temple hall was rebuilt in 1961, and in 2011, the long-awaited principal image was restored to its place, giving us the current structure.

On July 7, the anniversary of En no Gyoja’s death, the “Renge Festival” is held to pray for the safety of climbers. Participants cleanse their minds and bodies by offering lotus flowers, drawing many ascetics from across Japan.

The Charm of Kongosan Katsuragi Shrine

To reach Kongosan Katsuragi Shrine, you need to hike a steep mountain trail for about 70-minutes. Despite the challenge, the shrine attracts many visitors.

One main attraction is the variety of scenic, seasonally changing hiking routes on Mount Kongo. In 2020, it was selected as a "Japan Mountain Heritage" site for its deep connection to both nature and people. Additionally, between 6:00AM and 7:00PM, hikers can receive a unique stamp at the summit as a memento of their climb.

In winter, Kongosan is known as one of the snowiest spots in Osaka. 

Although the cold is intense, hiking amidst the snow-covered scenery is exceptional, with spectacular sights like frost-covered trees. Since the stone-steps are quite steep, be cautious, and if unaccustomed to walking on snow, consider bringing crampons.

While the actual summit is within the sacred grounds behind Katsuragi Shrine and is off-limits, visitors can still take a commemorative photo by the sign at Kunimi Castle ruins in the mountain’s upper plaza that reads "Mount Kongo Summit."

Another attraction is the peaceful, tree-surrounded Katsuragi Shrine and its surrounding trails.

After visiting Hitokotonushi no Okami, known as a deity who "grants both good and bad wishes with a single word," as mentioned in the Kojiki and Nihon Shoki, as well as historical figures like Emperor Go-Daigo and Kusunoki Masashige, take some time to explore the surroundings.

Admire the “Nio Cedar,” a giant cedar with a trunk circumference of about 5 meters at the fork of the front and rear shrine paths, and the “Couple Cedars” located midway between Katsuragi Shrine and Tenporin Temple. These trees give a sense of being under a powerful, protective force.

Can You Get a Goshuin (Red Seal) at Katsuragi Shrine?

Yes, Katsuragi Shrine offers a goshuin stamp that reads “Hitokotonushi no Okami.”

You can usually obtain it at the shrine’s gift office or the booth next to the mountaintop shop. However, since it may occasionally be closed, it's best to check in advance.

Sightseeing Spots Around Katsuragi Shrine

Mount Kongo Observatory

Located at the summit, the Mount Kongo Observatory offers a panoramic 360-degree view.

Since the ropeway is currently out of service, visitors must walk to reach it, but the view from 7 meters above ground is breathtaking. On clear days, you may see the three surrounding mountains, Osaka Bay, and Kansai International Airport, so it’s worth visiting when the weather is good.

Kongo Mountain Live Camera

The live camera installed at the site of Kunimi Castle on Mount Kongo was installed to provide information on the situation at the summit of Mount Kongo for the safety of climbers.

It is operated by Kongo-san Katsuragi Shrine, Kongo Rensei-kai, kongozan.net, and kongozanTV. It is standard for climbers to pose in front of the camera in still images taken every hour. The sight of climbers posing has also been featured in the NHK 72-hour documentary, making it a popular spot.

Access to Katsuragi Shrine

The main way to get to Katsuragi Shrine is to take a Nankai bus from Kawachinagano Station on the Nankai Koya Line.

Access

・Get off at the Nankai Bus "Kongo Tozanguchi" stop, then walk for about 70 minutes (the ropeway is currently out of service as of April 2024)

location

1009-2 Chihaya, Chihayaakasaka Village, Minamikawachi District, Osaka Prefecture

How to get to Mount Kongo

The nearest station to Mount Kongo is Kawachinagano Station on the Nankai Koya Line. From there, you can take a bus to each trailhead.

To get to Mount Kongo, it's definitely a good idea to use the "Mount Kongo Hiking Digital Ticket," which includes a "discounted round-trip train ticket to Kawachinagano Station," a "discounted round-trip bus ticket," and "benefits at restaurants around Kawachinagano Station." If you purchase it the day before, you don't have to line up at the ticket counter and you can purchase it on your smartphone! Make use of this if you're considering getting to Mount Kongo by train or bus.

Click here for the "Mt. Kongo Hiking Digital Ticket"

Kongo-san Katsuragi Shrine is a fascinating power spot where nature and history come together.

Mount Kongo, which has a long history, is still loved by many people today as a mountain for training the mind and body.

This is because, in addition to its easy access from the city, the beautiful expressions the mountains show in each season and the breath of history continue to fascinate people.

On your next day off, why not escape the hustle and bustle of the city and go hiking to Mount Kongo Katsuragi Shrine? You'll be able to purify yourself with the power of the abundant nature and recharge your mind and body.

Original article: https://otent-nankai.jp/category/topic/210729_kongosan-katuragijinja_578