Mount Ikoma stands on the border between Osaka and Nara prefectures.
Since ancient times, there has been a road connecting the two regions, and the top of this road is called a "pass."
Mount Ikoma has well-known passes such as "Kuragari Pass," known as one of the worst roads in Japan, "Jusan Pass," also known as the Narihira Road or Roman Highway, and "Narukawa Pass."
This time, I walked the "Narukawa Valley Hiking Course," crossing Narukawa Pass from Kintetsu Hyōtanyama Station in Osaka to Motoyamakamiguchi Station in Nara.
"Kuragari Pass," where feudal lords passed when traveling to and from Edo.
"Jusan Pass," where playboys of the Heian period walked.
What kind of history does "Narukawa Pass," which we will be walking this time, have?
After some research, it seems that this road has a deep connection with En no Gyoja, the founder of Shugendo.
Before entering Mt. Omine, En no Gyoja underwent training at Narukawa on Mt. Ikoma.
There is also a training site on the Nara side, and the history of Shugendo remains to this day.
The impression that comes across as Narukawa Pass is a solemn path.
Fun, history, faith... Mt. Ikoma is truly profound.
I think the Narukawa Valley hiking trail is also a path where you can enjoy faith and history.
It was a cold day, but it was a very interesting hike ( ´ ▽ ` )