Mount Myōgi, Sacred mountain in Gunma Prefecture, Japan.
Myōgi is a mountain in Gunma Prefecture that reaches 1,103 meters and consists of several peaks linked by ridges. Many dacite outcrops emerge from the forested slopes, forming towers and spires along the crests.
Volcanic activity three million years ago shaped the current structure of the mountain from dacite lava, tuff, and breccia. Erosion of surrounding sedimentary layers exposed the more resistant volcanic rocks and created the present formations.
Nakano Take, a sanctuary at the base, treats the rock outcrops themselves as objects of veneration rather than symbols. This tradition regards the stones as direct sacred presences instead of representations, making the mountain a living place of worship.
The intermediate trail takes about four hours and leads to the main rock formations, including Stone Gate and Daikoku Rock. Advanced climbers can follow the ten-kilometer Omote Ridge, which requires additional technical skills.
The rock formations carry names that describe their shapes, such as Candle Rock and Artillery Rock, standing as exposed remnants after softer surroundings eroded away. Each of these structures shows how erosion has revealed rocks of different resistance.
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