Mount Atago, Sacred mountain in Ukyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan
Mount Atago rises about 924 meters above Kyoto with a marked trail through thick forests featuring stone steps to the summit. A shrine stands at the peak, marking its spiritual center.
The mountain became a religious center around 1300 years ago when Buddhist monks established it as a pilgrimage destination. These early foundations shaped it into a significant spiritual place.
The shrine on the summit draws pilgrims who climb at night during the annual July-August pilgrimage seeking blessings for fire protection. This nighttime ritual connects visitors to long-standing spiritual traditions practiced on the mountainside.
The climb starts in Kiyotaki village and covers steep terrain, usually taking three to five hours for a round trip. Visitors should wear sturdy shoes and bring plenty of water, as the paths are demanding and facilities are sparse.
The mountain houses the main shrine of a network of roughly 900 fire protection shrines spread across Japan. This connection makes it the center of a far-reaching religious movement.
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