Mount Hiko, Sacred mountain in Kyushu, Japan.
Mount Hiko is a 1,199 meter peak located between Fukuoka and Oita Prefectures and surrounded by dense forests with ancient cedar trees. A main trail connects the lower shrine areas with the summit, passing through stone staircases and multiple religious buildings along the route.
The mountain was established as a sacred site in 740 and later designated as a National Historic Site in 2017. This official recognition honored centuries of religious importance and continuous use by Buddhist and Shinto practitioners.
The shrine complex serves as an active place where Buddhist and Shinto practices continue today, drawing visitors who come to observe or participate in ceremonies. The religious traditions here blend mountain worship with spiritual rituals that shape how locals and pilgrims experience the site.
The trail from the lower shrine to the summit involves stone steps and takes several hours to complete, so visitors should wear sturdy shoes and bring water. The route passes through wooded areas where the forest provides shade but the climb remains steady throughout.
Among the ancient cedars on the slopes grows Onisugi, a cedar tree estimated to be around 1,200 years old and one of the most notable trees on the mountain. This ancient specimen demonstrates the age and continuity of the forest ecosystem that surrounds the religious site.
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