Best Forests & Mountains around Kansai Spot List

A beautiful mountain overlooking the city of Nara

This sacred primeval forest is registered as a world heritage site

Some of Japan's best, gently colored cherry blossoms

Rejuvenate yourself in the fresh mountain air

Founded by Kobo-Daishi Kukai, this is a sacred place of Shingon Esoteric Buddhism, boasting a history of 1,200 years. Scattered across the mountain at approximately 900 meters above sea level are 117 temples, including Kongobu-ji Temple, forming a large religious town. With Danjogaran and Okuno-in at its core, this sacred territory has been visited by large number of Kukai's followers. Since the town is surrounded by forests, Mt. Koya is a great place to enjoy some hiking while visiting the temples.

Towering about 700 meters high, Mt. Maya lies in the central part of Rokko mountain range. The night view of Kobe seen from Kikuseidai near the mountaintop is famous as one of new three best night views in Japan. Legend has it that the name comes from the fact that Kobo-Daishi enshrined the statue of Shaka’s mother, Maya, on the mountain.