Yuzuruha Shrine

Hiking Mount Yuzuruhasan, Hyogo Japan (Kansai’s best 100 mountains, #34)

Mount Yuzuruhasan (Elevation:608m)

Location: Hyogo Prefecture, Minamiawaji city (Day trip from Kobe, Osaka).
(Google Map: )

Walking time: 3hrs 30mins
Distance: 10.3kms total
Hiking Elevation: 650m up, 691m down
Difficulty: Beginner level
Climbing season: Year-round

Notes: Starting at a picturesque dam, this easy hike includes some great views, lots of birds, and passes some very peaceful shrines along the way. The hike down to the water finishes near the famous Suisen flower park (popular from end-Dec to end-Feb). I drove, so turned around at the shrine and returned to the dam.

Music: “River of Love”, from the Album “The Quietening”, by Richard Goldsworthy


ROUTE DIRECTIONS:
Disclaimer: The directions only represent my personal experience. I accept no responsibility for any losses or injuries resulting from following these directions. Hike safe!

Starting point:
The trail begins at the edge of the dam (you can park your car here if you're driving). Head up through the cedar forest, and you'll pass a tiny shrine before heading gradually up to the top of Yuzuruhasan. From the top you can see the Naruto bridge (connecting Tokushima to Awaji-shima), and the Pacific Ocean shimmering to the south. From here it's a short walk down to the beautiful Yuzuruha shrine. From here, if you're driving, you can head back the way you came, or if you're taking the bus, continue down to the ocean at the end of the hike.
End point: