Mount Hōman, Sacred mountain in Dazaifu, Japan
Mount Hōman rises 829 meters (2,720 feet) above sea level with granite cliffs and trails that wind through thick forests to the shrine at its summit. The path also connects a lower shrine at the base, creating a linked spiritual landscape across the mountain.
During the Nara period, the mountain hosted national ceremonies marking border disputes and was designated a historic site in 2013. This recognition acknowledged centuries of importance as a religious center for the region.
The shrine blends Shinto and Buddhist traditions, with sacred spaces at both the summit and the base that draw visitors seeking spiritual connection. People come here to experience how these two traditions coexist in this mountain setting.
The walk to the summit takes about two hours and can start from the lower shrine or be accessed by Community Bus from Nishitetsu Dazaifu Station. Sturdy hiking shoes and plenty of water are essential, especially on warm days or if you need to pace yourself.
Excavations have uncovered ritual objects, Sancai pottery, and coins from the Nara period scattered across the mountain. These discoveries reveal how many centuries people treated this place as sacred and connected it to wider trade networks.
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