Nachikatsuura Town is close to the sea and mountains, and one can easily reach the mountains by car or bus from the town. In addition, there are several Kumano Kodo paths scattered around the Daitaiji Temple in the Ota district. Each has a different trailhead and arrival point, but many people use Daitaiji as a base for trekking and mountain climbing. This time, Daitaiji has organized a trekking tour that takes you up to the top of Mt. Hachiro, walking the route of the Kumano Kodo Ohhechi.

This is what Mt. Hachiro is like.

Mt. Hachiro is a relatively low mountain with an elevation of 249.6 meters, so it is not too difficult for those who are not accustomed to mountain climbing. The Hachiro Pass, which runs from Koza to Ota (the area where Daitaiji Temple is located), was once used as a shortcut for common people. Although the path is easy to walk on, most of the footing is made up of pebbles and tree roots that have been cut away from rocks rather than soil, and there are narrow paths and large fallen trees along the way. As we gasp for breath through these small but challenging sections, we come to the highest ridge just before the summit. Following the rope up the slope, you will reach the summit where you can see Kii Oshima Island, the Uragami Peninsula, Cape Ushio, and the town of Nachikatsuura. There are not many mountains that are not that high in elevation, yet offer a view of the ocean. Please contact Daitaiji if you wish to participate.

Amount: ¥3,000/person

Time required: 1.5 to 2 hours.

Meet at Daitaiji and drive to the trailhead. (Please use your own car if you have one).