Mt. Myojin Hiking Course

Mt. Myojin Hiking Course — Great panorama view from the observatory and five world heritage sites

Mt. Myojin Hiking Course Introduction

Mt. Myojin is 273.6m above sea level and the hike is about 2km.
The course is rich in variety, with mountain azaleas in full bloom in the springtime, you can enjoy the serenity and abundant nature to your hearts content.

The starting point to Mt. Myojin is the large torii (Shinto gate) landmark.
The path from the Mt. Myojin torii at the base to the Sui Shrine at the top is known as the Mt. Myojin Sandō​.
Most of the climb is gentle, along a paved path.
The path reaches about 160m in height and it takes approximately 40 minutes to reach the summit.
Even those who aren't confident in their fitness levels can walk it without any problems, so please enjoy the walk while talking with your friends and family.


Mizu Shrine (Japanese heritage site)

Mt. Myojin observatory 360 degree panorama

At the Summit there are three observatory decks where you can enjoy a 360 degree panorama view.
Mt. Myojin isn't that high, but it's said to overlook ten of the old countries as well as the Nara Basin, Ikoma and the Kongo mountain ranges.
You can get a sweeping view of the Osaka plain and see quite far.
You can also see historical sites and buildings, the Abeno Harukas, and if the sky is clear even the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge. The geographical features of the land, the flow of the rivers and the height differences of all the mountains can also be seen, and you can picture the history that took place on this stage.


(The Mt. Myojin 360 degree VR video shows the main historical heritage sites with an easy to understand explanation using words and voice overs. You can click the screen and rotate the view at your leisure, taking in and enjoying the sights of Mt. Myojin.)

The views are laid out almost like a picture scroll of the Kofun, Asuka, Nara and Heian periods, and when you see this, doesn't it make you wonder what it must have been like in those times?


("The Mt Myojin time slip, travel to the world heritage sites — a trip through time" is a video that let's you enjoy a historical view of Mt. Myojin while imagining what it was like in the past.)

The perfect spot for a romantic proposal

Mt. Myojin is also considered a sacred ground for lovers.
As the perfect spot for a romantic proposal, the observation deck on the summit has the "Bell of Eternity", a special place where lovers can swear their undying love to each other.
There's no way a picture of both of you in the sunset wouldn't look great on social media!

Lover's Sanctuary "Bell of Eternity"
Bring your special person and ring the bell together in the most beautiful place in Oji.

The 5 world heritage sites visible from Mt. Myojin

Lastly, Mt. Myojin has an amazing view that you can only see from this mountain.

"Mt Myojin time slip, travel to the world heritage sites" (Through the "Mt Myojin time slip, travel to the world heritage sites" virtual space, you can get a 360 degree view around Mt. Myojin.)

That is, you can see 5 world heritage sites from one spot.

① "Buddhist Monuments in the Hōryū-ji Area"

② "Cultural Properties of Ancient Kyoto (including Mt. Hiei)"

③ "Cultural Properties of Ancient Nara"

④ "Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range"

⑤ "The Mozu Tombs"

These sites are all important to Japanese people, both historically and culturally.
In addition to the sightseeing course, please enjoy the allure of ancient history.


The Mt. Myojin live camera is a camera placed at the summit that let's you see the view.
The live camera is updated every 10 minutes.

Mt. Myojin Information

【Location】
・Oji-cho, Kitakatsuragi-gun, Nara
【Phone Number】
・0745-33-6668（Oji Tourism Association）
【Access】
・From JR Oji Station's southern exit, take the Nara Kotsu Bus (bound for Myojin 4-chome) about 20 minutes to the last stop. The walk to the top of the mountain is about 40 minutes.


Return to Oji Town