Mount Wakae

Mount Wakae [若标山; わかえ・さん] is one of the three 'blessed mountains' of the Omiyama range in western Inaki Prefecture along with Mount Genbi and Mount Zenzu. With a height of 1,200 metres it is the smallest and most accessible of the trio, and is often nicknamed Kandeyama or 'first-step mountain' due to its position at the beginning of the chain.
A path of over 2,000 refined stone steps leads to the summit of Mount Wakae, buried amidst centuries-old deciduous woodland, and passing a number of shrines and two temples on the way. The first temple is Wakae-no-Kanbora ('first temple of Wakae') and is used by pilgrims and visitors to cleanse themselves before setting foot on the sacred path. The second is Benzai Temple located near the top, which offers accommodation and acts as a rest-stop for travellers.
The summit of Mount Wakae can also be reached using a vehicle and a bus service is operated during the winter. In addition to pilgrims, tourists and locals often stay at the Benzai Temple lodgings.
Category:Mountains