Mt. Kinbo Kinbôzan 金峯山
Area: Yutagawa
Distance from the station: 20 min.
Type: Hiking/Spiritual
Height: 458m.
History:
It is said the founder of Shugendo: En no Ozunu, first established this mountain as a place of worship in 672, through the building of Mt. Kinbo's shrine: Kinbôzan-jinja 金峯山神社. The shrine got registered in the list of National Important Cultural Properties in 2001 for its importance in the history of the Shugendo religion.
Mt. Kinbo was once an annex of Mt. Haguro's temple until the early 17th century (1624-1643). Mt. Haguro's temples sent their disciples to Mt. Kinbo to preach Haguro's believes to the people of Yutagawa's area.
After 1692, Mt. Kinbo separated itself from Mt. Haguro's doctrine and belonged to the Chisan School of Shingon Buddhism.
HIGHLIGHTS
Mt. Kinbo's shrine
Kinbôzan-jinja 金峯山神社
National Important Cultural Property (since 2001)
Meoto-sugi Love Trees
Meoto-sugi 夫婦杉
Two 350 years old cedar trees that look like lovers. They bring good luck to couples.
Snow Lanterns Festival
Kinbôzan yuki dôrô matsuri 金峯山雪灯籠祭り
Held every year in January or February.