Takao Mountain
What is it?
This mountain is REALLY worth a visit for anyone coming to the Tanabe area. It is arguably the most notable feature of our local area. It has a deep history that people here love to discuss. Some of the cafes and restaurants around here are named after it too. It’s sort of like Tanabe's Mount Fuji.
Highlights include:
-A stunning waterfall and river at the base of the mountain called "Kizetsukyo"
-A rugged hiking trail leading up to the mountain top (takes one full hour bottom to top)
-A large etching of Buddha in the mountain wall about 7 minutes up the path
-An impeccable view from the top
-To the east, a clear view of the lush green Ryujin mountain range and skyline
-To the west and south-west, a great view of Tanabe City, Minabe, and Shirahama.
-A "Skypark" which offers a nice view, and a great picnic spot for weary climbers.
-Also bathrooms near the Skypark, so you know...You don't have to drop trow on the open yama.
There are three full trails in total that lead to the top. One is a rugged trail beginning from the Kizetsukyo Waterfall area. The second is a mainly paved path leading up to the Skypark on the front face (Tanabe houmen) side of the mountain. For that trail, one only needs to find the Kamiakizu Information center, or the elementary school next door. The final trail runs up the back side of the mountain, is REALLY hard to find in a maze of plum field trails, and isn't used much, so it’s untrimmed.
The best climbing season is from about September to March. Around April the bugs come out and some of them (i.e. wasps) can be dangerous. Plus, climbing in the summer is, while good for losing weight, hard on the body. Even for those in good shape it is heavy exertion.
During late August and just before the New Year holiday, a HITO (person) symbol is lit up on the mountaintop. It is visible from anywhere in Tanabe. Takao Mountain Marathon, a 6km hardcore run up the road-side of the mountain, takes place in early December. (I ran it, it was great! Free mikan oranges once you reach the top, lots of fun people, and a raffle drawing afterwards.) There is also Takao Mountain Cycling Marathon, which takes place around October I believe.
Last but not least, there are wild boar on the mountain and they will chase you if found. Wild boar are also hunted there often, but normally outside of the suggested climbing season.
Where is it?
Tanabe City, kamiakizu/kizetsukyo. 10 min by Ryujin bus from Tanabe Station.
Submitted by Glen Piskula