A detailed explanation of the attractions of Mount Kongo Katsuragi Shrine! Information on nearby sightseeing spots and how to get there

• Table of Contents
• What is Kongo Mountain Katsuragi Shrine?
• The Charm of Mount Kongo Katsuragi Shrine
• Can I get a goshuin stamp at Katsuragi Shrine?
• Things to do near 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 Kongo Mountain Katsuragi Shrine?

Mount Kongo runs across the border between Osaka and Nara prefectures. Tenpōrin-ji Temple and Katsuragi Shrine are located near the summit.

It has a long history, dating back to the Asuka period. In 665, En no Gyoja, a mountain ascetic, built Tenporin-ji Temple after a long period of training, and at that time founded Katsuragi Shrine as a place to worship Hitokotonushi no Okami, who was considered to be his ancestral deity. Currently, Katsuragi Shrine enshrines 38 Katsuragi shrines, the guardian deity of Mount Kongo.

Kongo-san has long been considered a sacred mountain of Shintoism and Buddhism, a fusion and harmony of the two faiths. However, in the Meiji era, the government issued an ordinance to separate Shintoism and Buddhism, and only Katsuragi Shrine was left standing, while Tenporin-ji Temple was abandoned. Later, with the support of the Kongo-san Ko, the main hall was rebuilt in 1961, and in 2011, the long-cherished wish to re-install the principal image was fulfilled, resulting in the current appearance of the temple.

On July 7th, the anniversary of En no Gyoja's death, many ascetics from all over the country gather at Mount Kongo for the Renge Festival, where they offer lotus flowers to purify both body and mind and pray for safety on the mountain in the summer.

The Charm of Mount Kongo Katsuragi Shrine

To get to Mount Kongo Katsuragi Shrine, you have to walk up a steep mountain path for about 70 minutes, but many people are still attracted to the shrine.

The first attraction is the beautiful scenery and varied climbing courses of Mt. Kongo in each season. In 2020, it was selected as a "Japan Mountain Heritage Site," which recognizes mountain regions and activity groups that have a deep connection with nature and people that we want to preserve for the future. Another fun part of climbing Mt. Kongo is the unique service of receiving a stamp at the summit if you climb between 6 and 7 p.m.

Additionally, Mount Kongo is famous for being the place with the highest snowfall in Osaka in winter.

Although it is bitterly cold, hiking surrounded by snowy scenery is exceptional, and you can enjoy the fantastic scenery of frost-covered trees. However, the stone steps are a little steep, so be careful where you step. If you are not used to walking on snowy paths, we recommend bringing crampons.

The actual summit is in the sacred grounds behind Katsuragi Shrine and cannot be accessed, but you can take commemorative photos in front of the sign that reads "Mt. Kongo Summit" at the mountaintop plaza of the Kunimi Castle ruins.

The second attraction is Katsuragi Shrine, which has a tranquil atmosphere surrounded by trees, and the opportunity to stroll around the surrounding area.

After paying your respects to Ichinotonushi-no-Mikoto, who appears in the Kojiki and Nihon Shoki as "a god who will grant you a single wish, good or bad," as well as Emperor Godaigo and Kusunoki Masashige, take a stroll around the surrounding area.

When you look up at trees such as the Nio Cedar, which stands at the fork in the mountain path leading to Katsuragi Shrine and the back mountain path, and the Meoto Cedar, located halfway between Katsuragi Shrine and Tenporin-ji Temple, you will feel as if you are being protected by a great power.

Can I get a goshuin stamp at Katsuragi Shrine?

At Katsuragi Shrine, you can get a goshuin stamp that reads "Ichinotonushi-no-Okami."

Normally, they can be purchased at the gift shop within the grounds of Katsuragi Shrine or next to the mountaintop shop, but they may be closed on some days, so it's best to check in advance.

Things to do near Katsuragi Shrine

Mount Kongo Observatory

The Kongo Mountain Observatory at the top of Mount Kongo is an observation deck that offers a 360-degree view.

Since the ropeway is out of service, you have to walk to the observation deck, but it feels great to look out over the panoramic view from a height of 7 meters. If you're lucky, you'll be able to see the mountains surrounding Mount Kongo on three sides, Osaka Bay, and Kansai International Airport, so be sure to visit on a clear day.

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