Hiking Ameyama

Mt. Ame or simply Ameyama (雨山) is a mountain between Osaka Prefecture and Wakayama Prefecture. Its kanji literally translates to "Rain Mountain". It is located in Kumatori town in Osaka Prefecture in Japan, 

Ameyama

Ameyama Details

Ameyama stands 314 meters tall. From the clearing at the peak, you could see Osaka Bay and Kansai International Airport. Aside from that, you could also see a panoramic view of the Izumi mountains and towns near the mountain. The mountain offers more than just beautiful scenery. It is also historically and culturally significant to the Japanese people, especially those near the mountain.

View from the peak of Ameyama - Kumatori, Osaka Prefecture

The map of the Ameyama

Trees lined up neatly along the path to Ameyama's peak

Several milestones could be found along the path

Just follow the path to the peak

The man-made steps make it look easy

The locals before (probably until now) believed that the Ameyama Dragon King was living on the summit of the mountain. The Ameyama Dragon King is said to be in control of the rain. When there is a drought the locals would climb up to the peak to ask the dragon for rain. Today, the villages of Nariai at the foot of the mountain practice the belief through an event called Hassaku every 1st of September.

Sadly I can't read this one

One of the milestones in the mountain

 On the historical side, the mountain was the location of the Rain Fortress. Although it was long gone, it once played an important and strategic role in guarding the Kokawa highway. It is now known as the Ameyama Ruined Castle.

The Torii gate near the peak of Ameyama

 I hiked Ameyama alone during my 4th day of stay in Japan. It was my second destination after visiting Okuyama Ameyama Natural Park on my solo backpacking tour of Kumatori town. Compared to my hikes in the Philippines, Ameyama is a fairly easy climb. I have to thank the well-maintained pathway for that though.

Cabin at the peak of Ameyama

Can someone translate this for me?

The Ameyama Ruined Castle can be found at the peak 

Izumisano and Osaka Bay as seen from the back of the cabin

Look at that! A picnic table, perfect for break time!

The well near the peak

 Overall, I got the chance to successfully conquer my first mountain in Japan. It might not be that tall but it's worth climbing and the view... breathtaking.

A view from the peak near the area of the ruined castle

The Backpack Adventures conquers Ameyama

Ameyama Details:

Height: 314 m
Jump off Point: Under the overpass of Hanwa motorway in Kumatori town, Osaka Prefecture.
Climb time: 1 hour - 2 hours

Ameyama stands 314 meters

Why visit Ameyama?

Ameyama is a hidden gem for mountaineers. Surprisingly, it's actually quite near Kansai International Airport and can be conquered in more or less 2-3 hours. Ameyama offers a stunning view of Kumatori, Izumisano, Kansai International Airport and Osaka Bay.

Getting to Ameyama:


Ride the #92 Nankai Bus from Nankai Main Line in Izumizano Station bound for Osaka University of Health and Sports Sciences. From the University the jumpoff point is just a 20-minute walk away.

Jump off point to Ameyama

 Another option is to ride the  #90 Nankai Bus bound for Okakita. Board down at the town of Nariai. From there the jump-off point is just 15 minutes away.

Ratings

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Overall rating

Location: Ameyama, Noda, Kumatori, Sennan District, Osaka Prefecture 590-0451, Japan

Comments

  1. joleisaJanuary 31, 2018 at 7:09 PM

    Beautiful! I love your photography too. I also wished that someone would translate that board for me too! Thanks. Looks like it was good fun.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Wonder seekerJanuary 31, 2018 at 8:54 PM

    This looks like a great where to go and just relax . Also the view 😍

    ReplyDelete
  3. https://www.glamadventuress.comJanuary 31, 2018 at 11:31 PM

    Interesting article with a lot of historical beliefs with Mt. Ameyama!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Yesenia's AdventuresFebruary 1, 2018 at 2:58 AM

    Love your blog! I'm very new at blogging and its insane the amount of pageviews you get, that's freaking awesome! I love hiking and definitely going to have to try this one. Thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Neil Alvin NicerioFebruary 3, 2018 at 9:34 AM

      You'll get there someday Yesenia. =) Just blog what you love and share them to everybody. =)

      Delete
  5. UnknownFebruary 1, 2018 at 5:01 AM

    This is an exceptionally beautiful trail! Thank you so much for sharing. I'm looking forward to reading about more of your adventures!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Neil Alvin NicerioFebruary 3, 2018 at 9:35 AM

      Thanks Matt. Hope to see more of your comments in my blog. =)

      Delete
  6. AnonymousFebruary 1, 2018 at 10:26 AM

    This reminds me of the rainforest i visited outside of San Juan! Didn't know when we started what we were heading into and wound up taking three side trips during the tour to see views like yours only instead of houses and buildings down below it was more trees and tourists!! I miss it. Saw so many strange bugs!
    Kate
    Aoibhneas travels

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Neil Alvin NicerioFebruary 3, 2018 at 9:35 AM

      You should visit this place Kate. =) You'd love it.

      Delete
  7. Sidhu JethaFebruary 1, 2018 at 2:21 PM

    looks wow. the valley from the top looks amazing. also the mountain trail is very colourful and serene.

    ReplyDelete
  8. indra kFebruary 1, 2018 at 6:15 PM

    Your post reminded me of my trek to Mt Fuji in Japan. That was more of glacial trek. And reading your pictorial post this one looks like amid dense forests. Great pics with beautiful panorama.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Neil Alvin NicerioFebruary 3, 2018 at 9:36 AM

      Wow! you hike Mt. Fuji already?!!! Whoaa I envy you. Will plan for that someday. =)

      Delete
  9. UnknownFebruary 1, 2018 at 10:52 PM

    Looks like such a beautiful place! Japan is definitely on my bucket list!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Neil Alvin NicerioFebruary 3, 2018 at 9:37 AM

      Great hope to hear your adventure in Japan someday. =)

      Delete
  10. Poorna BanerjeeFebruary 2, 2018 at 3:09 AM

    Okay, Stunned! That's the only word here. Fantastic photos, and I love the place!

    ReplyDelete
  11. AnonymousFebruary 2, 2018 at 4:49 AM

    This looks like a gorgeous little trip! Steps always look deceiving don’t they! I think the cabin and seeing those views would of been my favourite part !

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Neil Alvin NicerioFebruary 3, 2018 at 9:38 AM

      Same here Morgan. Those were the highlights of this trek. =)

      Delete
  12. UnknownFebruary 4, 2018 at 12:55 AM

    This looks amazing! I have been wanting to go to Japan for so long. I think this would be fun as I love to explore.

    ReplyDelete
  13. AnonymousApril 5, 2023 at 7:31 AM

    It's the first time that I heard of Ameyama but that looks like a very beautiful place to hike.

    ReplyDelete
  14. AnonymousOctober 14, 2023 at 8:16 AM

    What a beautiful mountain. I will surely include Ameyama when I hike around Osaka Prefecture.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Neil Alvin NicerioOctober 16, 2023 at 6:36 PM

      Please do. Ameyama is one of the least known mountains of Japan. You'd surely enjoy hiking it.

      Delete

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