Mount Yamato Katsuragi

Mount Yamato Katsuragi is a 959-meter summit in the Kongo Range located on the border between Chihayaakasaka and Gose, between Osaka and Nara prefectures. Granite slopes rise from the Katsuragi Plateau, shaping the landscape of this region.

The mountain held different names through history, including Mount Kaina, Mount Tenshin, and Mount Kamo during the ancient Yamato Province period. These changing names reflect shifts in how the region was understood and valued across time.

At the mountain's base stand several Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines like Anrakuji, Homanji, and Katsuragi Hitokotonushi Shrine that visitors can see today. These religious sites have shaped how local people relate to the mountain as a sacred place across generations.

The Katsuragisan Ropeway connects Tozanguchi Station to Katsuragi Sanjo Station in about five minutes and provides year-round access to the summit area. Visitors can use this convenient link to reach higher elevations and explore the surrounding trails and temples.

Every May, the mountain displays extensive fields of wild rhododendrons and azaleas maintained by local volunteers, creating a natural garden near the summit. This seasonal bloom draws visitors who time their trip to see the flowers at their peak.

Location: Gose

Location: Chihayaakasaka

Elevation above the sea: 959 m

Part of: 300 Famous Japanese mountains, 100 Famous Kansai Mountains, Osaka 50 Mountains, Nara 100 Mountains

GPS coordinates: 34.45615,135.68231

Latest update: December 7, 2025 09:20