Mount Senzan, Mountain summit in Sumoto, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan.
Mount Senzan rises 448 meters above Awaji Island and features an observation platform at its peak that offers views across the Seto Inland Sea. The platform allows visitors to see the surrounding landscape extend far beyond the immediate area.
The mountain gained religious importance in 901 when Senkoji Temple was built at its summit, making it a center for Buddhist practice. This temple has defined the site's character for over a thousand years.
The mountain holds significance in local mythology as the first peak created when the deities Izanagi and Izanami formed Awaji Island. This ancient narrative still shapes how people in the area understand and relate to the mountain.
Visitors can reach the summit by following marked hiking trails that start from a parking area near the base. It helps to wear sturdy shoes and allow enough time to enjoy both the climb and the views from the top.
The summit is home to both Senkoji Temple and Iwato Shrine, making it a rare place where Buddhist and Shinto traditions exist side by side. This coexistence reflects how both faiths have shared space in the region for centuries.
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